The Arctic Edge

Housing Is the Foundation

Housing is the foundation everything else rests on. In this episode of The Arctic Edge, host Hannah Thibedeau goes inside Nunavut's housing crisis and the people constructively working to solve it. With a public housing waitlist of 3,700 families, aging infrastructure, and some of the most challenging building conditions on earth, the scale of the challenge is clear. But so is the momentum. Through conversations with Minister Cecile Lyall, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, ArchTech founder Alex Cook, and Albert Netser, Co-CEO of Arctic Fresh Group, this episode looks at what's actually being built: modular housing factories, net-zero homes, apprenticeship programs, and cross-sector partnerships - including Agnico Eagle's donation of shipping for 20 modular housing units to the communities of Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet. The new Nunavut 3000 Strategy, backed by nearly half a billion dollars in combined federal and territorial investment, is bringing construction to every Nunavut community simultaneously for the first time in the territory's history. Because a secure Arctic, as Minister Lyall emphasizes, starts with a secure population. To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca [https://www.thearcticedge.ca] Footage permissions Provided By: OhanaUnited, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Nunavut Arctic College Footage of [Federal and Nunavut governments sign housing partnership – January 30, 2026] provided by CPAC, the Cable Public Affairs Channel Inc.

A Defining Moment for The North

Canada is looking north. In this season premiere of The Arctic Edge, host Hannah Thibedeau sets the stage for a season of conversations about what it takes to build a strong, sovereign, and thriving Arctic. Decades of underinvestment in northern infrastructure, combined with renewed global interest in the Arctic, have made this moment both urgent and full of opportunity. Through conversations with Nunavut Premier John Main, Arctic business leader Harry Flaherty, Canadian Ranger Jim Welsh, and former Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, we explore a pivotal moment in Canada's relationship with its North, where federal attention, historic investment, and Inuit leadership are aligning to protect Arctic sovereignty. Premier Main's vision is clear: a Nunavut defined not by its challenges, but by the strength of its communities, its culture, and its people.  There is a momentum for the North and for partnerships to be built. This is a story of a region ready to seize a defining moment to shape its future. To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca [http://www.thearcticedge.ca] Footage permissions Provided By: * Council of the Federations * J Hazard - Wikimedia commons * Jim Welsh of the Canadian Rangers * Nothern Pix - Wikimedia Commons * Privy Council Office.© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, 2026. * Qikiqtaluuk Corporation * Arctic Summit * Breakfast Club of Canada * “Don’t Make Me Blue” – Elisapie, Courtesy of Bonsound

Coming Soon: Season 2 of The Arctic Edge

Hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Hannah Thibedeau, The Arctic Edge aims to foster constructive engagement on the social, economic and geopolitical issues affecting Nunavut and Canada’s broader Arctic, bringing the voices of the North and beyond to a national audience.  Season 2 of the podcast builds on the foundation of our first season to dive deeper into matters of sovereignty, resilience, innovation, and community-driven growth as Nunavut and the Arctic region grow in national and global significance. Through thoughtful conversations and storytelling, it examines how strong, vibrant communities underpin sovereignty, with episodes focused on housing, food security, climate and energy, and responsible resource development. NEW this season: the stories and perspectives of Canada’s Arctic are vividly brought to life with video and striking visuals that invite viewers to see the faces behind them and get to know the communities where they unfold up close. Watch full episodes at thearcticedge.ca. Season 2 will feature honest conversations about challenges, focused on solutions, that will hopefully bring a deeper understanding of the people, cultures and dynamics of Canada’s North, but also of its strategic importance.  Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode!

The Future of Nunavut

In this season finale of The Arctic Edge, host Hannah Thibedeau sits down with a powerful roundtable of leaders to look ahead to Nunavut’s future. Our guests offer their insight into the challenges, and the opportunities that are shaping the North. In this compelling and hopeful conversation, they explore the power of Inuit led development. How youth empowerment and education is critical for long term transformation. That collaboration across communities, industries and government is essential. Not just for resource and economic development, but for lasting community strength. Real impact comes when development aligns with Inuit knowledge to uplift communities, fuelled by local leadership, cultural pride and generational thinking. Our guests Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr, Chair of Agnico Eagle’s Board Sean Boyd and entrepreneur Cody Dean offer their inspirational insights.   To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca [http://www.thearcticedge.ca]

Sovereignty and Security

What does Canadian sovereignty and security really mean for the Arctic, from a past, present and future perspective? From Cold War radar lines to modern defence systems, Canada’s presence in the North has always been shaped by global threats and strategic necessity.    In this episode, we learn about Grise Fjord, Canada’s northernmost community, and about the Inuit families that were forcibly relocated there in the 1950’s, serving as human flag poles. Premier P.J. Akeeagok’s family was one of them. Their personal stories reveal how sovereignty isn’t just about borders, but about people. For Inuit, sovereignty isn’t an abstract concept.  It’s rooted in survival, sacrifice and home, while bearing a strong sense of patriotism.   With renewed geopolitical tensions, as well as climate change, Canada is looking north. It’s time for a shift from symbolic sovereignty to a real investment, not only in defence and infrastructure, but in communities as a foundation of a secure Arctic.   To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca [http://www.thearcticedge.ca]