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Ottawa to appoint Virginia Mearns of Iqaluit as Arctic ambassador
CANADA, JUL 24 – Virginia Mearns will focus on Arctic sovereignty, security, and environmental concerns as climate change opens new shipping routes, starting her role Sept. 15, government said.
- On July 24, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney named Inuit leader Virginia Mearns to serve as Canada’s Arctic ambassador, tasked with advocating for the country’s interests in the strategically important northern region.
- The post, revived after being discontinued in 2006, reflects growing geopolitical tension in the Arctic following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increased foreign activity.
- Mearns, an Inuit leader from Iqaluit with experience in local Inuit governments, will engage with Arctic and non-Arctic states and focus on partnerships, security, and growth.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand emphasized that Canada’s new Arctic ambassador will be instrumental in upholding the nation’s sovereignty, while the military maintains close surveillance of Chinese vessels like the Xue Long 2 operating near Arctic regions.
- This appointment supports Canada's $35 million Arctic foreign policy emphasizing tighter security, scientific collaboration, new consulates, and ongoing cooperation with Indigenous peoples.
32 Articles
32 Articles
New Arctic ambassador to play a 'key role' in defending sovereignty: Anand
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada's new Arctic ambassador will play a key role in preserving sovereignty in the region as the military closely watches the movements of a Chinese icebreaker.
New Arctic ambassador will play ’key role’ in defending sovereignty: Anand
OTTAWA -- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada's new Arctic ambassador will play a key role in preserving sovereignty in the region as the military closely watches the movements of a Chinese icebreaker.
Mark Carney names Arctic ambassador in meeting with Inuit leaders
Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Nunavut's Virginia Mearns as Canada's first Arctic ambassador on Thursday, as his Liberal government seeks to strengthen ties between Ottawa and the country's north at
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government appoints his Arctic ambassador on Thursday, seeking to strengthen ties with circumpolar nations in a context of growing security concerns.
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