Plans and policies

A management plan is the central document that guides Parks Canada in the protection, management, and operation of a national park. As the key accountability document for the park to the Canadian public, the management plan outlines how Parks Canada’s legislated mandate of protection, education, and enjoyment of the national park will be met. The plan also provides the framework for how Parks Canada, Inuit, stakeholders, and the general public will work together to manage the park for the long term.

Quttinirpaaq National Park has a new management plan!

The management plan for Quttinirpaaq National Park was tabled in Parliament recently. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a requirement of the Canada National Parks Act and guide the management of national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. This management plan replaces the previous management plan of 2009 for this park.

The new plan for Quttinirpaaq National Park outlines the following key strategies:

• Key Strategy 1 – Honouring Shared Commitments: This strategy addresses Parks Canada’s goals to meet its Nunavut Agreement and Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement obligations. Parks Canada works with other federal departments to be an active member of the associated communities of Resolute and Grise Fiord.
• Key Strategy 2 – Working Together: This strategy recognizes that conservation is more successful when aligned with regional initiatives for activities inside and outside the park. Effective multi-lateral communication and relationship building with communities and partners is essential to realize this success.
• Key Strategy 3 – Learning from People and Land: Management of Quttinirpaaq National Park will bring together science and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to foster Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq (respect and care for the environment) and increase our understanding of the natural and cultural values of the park and the greater region. This knowledge will be used to encourage global appreciation and understanding of the High Arctic, the impacts of climate change and humanity’s ingenuity to adapt to challenges and changing circumstances.

Based on input from Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord Inuit and other partners, including federal and territorial government departments, Inuit organizations, academic researchers, and visitors past and present, the second management plan for Quttinirpaaq National Park will guide the park’s management over the next ten years while ensuring Inuit rights are protected and Inuit knowledge or Qaujimajatuqangit is used to guide management decisions.

Through this management plan, Parks Canada will protect an important example of natural heritage in Canada, will engage and collaborate with Inuit, and will provide an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover our environment in new and innovative ways.