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Department of Economic Development and Transportation

Transportation

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Core Business

Transportation

The Transportation branch serves to connect Nunavummiut to one another and to the rest of Canada. The branch is responsible for critical elements of Nunavut’s transportation system, encompassing air, land and marine transport modes. This includes operating community and regional hub airports, administering traffic safety legislation and supporting programs, and supporting community-based and strategic territorial priorities for road and marine infrastructure development.

This branch covers four divisions: Transportation Policy and Planning, Motor Vehicles, Nunavut Airports and Iqaluit International Airport.

Transportation Policy and Planning

The Transportation Policy and Planning Division is responsible for planning road, marine and air infrastructure for Nunavut. The division serves as an advocate for Nunavut's unique needs in federal government transportation policy activities. The division is directly responsible for managing the transportation strategy and several federal-funded programs.

  • Community Transportation Initiatives Program

The Community Transportation Initiatives Program supports communities to develop local transportation facilities and infrastructure to connect communities to each other, natural resource development opportunities and traditional livelihood activities.

Motor Vehicles

The safety of passengers and pedestrians on Nunavut's roads is the first priority of the Motor Vehicles division. Motor Vehicles provides services and programs to ensure established motor vehicle regulations and safety requirements are promoted to road users and enforced as required. The division administers all aspects of driver licensing and vehicle registrations and maintains statistics for accident reporting. The division also works with and assists agencies working in most Nunavut communities to ensure the services of Motor Vehicles are available throughout the territory. The division delivers a basic vehicle inspection program and promotes road safety to ensure the safety of all road users.

Nunavut Airports

Nunavut Airports is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the 24 airports outside Iqaluit. The division ensures that facilities and Community Aerodrome Radio Stations (CARS) are in regulatory compliance and that staff and equipment meet or exceed federal standards. This involves a close working relationship with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and the community governments and contractors who provide services to operate and maintain the airports and CARS. It also works with the consultants and contractors needed to deliver construction projects.

  • Simata Pitsiulak Aviation Scholarships

This program provides scholarships to students from Nunavut, and Nunavut Inuit, who are pursuing full-time studies leading towards a northern aviation career.

Iqaluit International Airport

Iqaluit International Airport serves a vital role in supporting air transportation in Nunavut, transatlantic air navigation, polar routes, and North American Air Defense. As one of 26 airports included in Canada’s National Airport System, the Iqaluit Airport is deemed to be of strategic importance to Canada. The airport fulfills an important international role serving as a safe alternative landing location for hundreds of transcontinental flights per week. The airport also serves a vital role for Nunavut, serving as a regional hub for people and goods.

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