The Arctic Edge

In this episode of The Arctic Edge, we explore how climate change is impacting life, infrastructure, and opportunity across the North. Through conversations with Anne‑Raphaëlle Audouin, CEO of Nukik Corporation, Dr. Jackie Dawson, Canada Research Chair in the human and policy dimensions of climate change at the University of Ottawa, Michael Milton, Inuit youth researcher land-based knowledge keeper from Pond Inlet, and Canada’s Arctic Ambassador Virginia Mearns, we explore how climate change is affecting daily life and traditional practices, the growing role of Inuit knowledge in Arctic science, and the broader geopolitical implications of a rapidly changing North.

From the region’s continued reliance on diesel to the transformative potential of projects like the Kivalliq Hydro‑Fibre Link, the discussion underscores the need for sustained investment in reliable power, connectivity, and community-led solutions. Ultimately, the episode examines how innovation, collaboration, and long-term commitment can help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable future for northern communities.

To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca

Footage provided by:
CambridgeBayWeather, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
ADialla, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Janne Wallenius, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Ansgar Walk, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons
Jordanroderick, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Virginia Mearns
Jim Welsh
Ikaarvik
Annie Aleekee
Doris Angohiatok

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

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.

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

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

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. 

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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