Synthesis - Scientific Program - Institut nordique du Québec
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Photo : Martin Fortier / ArcticNet
Synthesis — Scientific Program
Photo credits : Page 6 : Martin Fortier / ArcticNet Priority 1 : Keith Levesque/ ArcticNet Priority 2 : Alexandre Forest / ArcticNet Priority 3: Thinkstock Priority 4: Guy Doré / CEN Priority 5 : Martin Fortier / ArcticNet, Goldcorp Inc., Thinkstock Cover : Martin Fortier / ArcticNet This publication was produced by the Institut nordique du Québec. September 2017 / Printed in Canada
Vision
The Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) vision is to develop a sustainable North through innovation
and knowledge creation, and by integrating western science with local and traditional knowledge.
In partnership with communities, government authorities and the private sector, INQ aims to help
secure the well-being of all people in northern Quebec and the Canadian Arctic, now and in the
future, by ensuring access to clean energy, conserving healthy ecosystems and the services they
provide, building viable infrastructure, supporting economic prosperity and vibrant cultures, and
strengthening northern education and healthcare systems.
Contents
4 A Long Time in the Making 7 The Central Issues
7 First Peoples’ Interests and Aspirations 8 Promising Outcomes
Priorities
10 14 17 20 24
Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Priority 4 Priority 5
Societies Health Ecosystem Infrastructures Natural
and Culture Functioning and and Technology Ressources
Environmental
Protection
28 Appendices
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 3
A Long Time in the Making
For nearly six years, hundreds of researchers and experts from all over have been meeting to
establish the core components of Institut nordique du Québec (INQ). Before INQ was even founded
in 2014, key northern researchers and stakeholders were defining the contours of a broad, inclusive
northern research initiative that would meet the needs of both decision makers and local communities.
INQ’s scientific program is responsive and will adapt to new members and the evolution of issues,
society, and technology. The outcome of an exhaustive and inclusive consultation process, this
research program makes full use of the solid northern expertise acquired over the years by various
centres for excellence in partnership with inhabitants of the North and a number of private-sector
and government researchers from Québec and elsewhere in Canada and the world.
The following is a review of the work and pivotal exchanges that marked this unprecented synthesis
of northern research in Québec.
2011-2012 Some 50 experts are recruited to discuss northern research issues.
Four expert panels are created and led by co chairs, with professors
from Université Laval, other universities, and external participants:
• Well-being and development of northern communities
• The economic potential of the North
• Transportation and telecommunications
• Environmental protection.
2012 The findings from the expert panel discussions are outlined in a
document: Mobilizing for a Sustainable North: Research Issues
and Priorities.
June 17 The Mobilized for a Sustainable North symposium is held, bringing
together 175 representatives from universities, the public and
private sectors, northern communities, and First Nations.
2013 Montmorency Forest retreat to discuss research platforms.
October 17-18 The resulting document outlines 15 research platforms, grouped
under six research priorities.
4 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific Program
2014 Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) is founded as a far-reaching
August alliance between Université Laval, McGill University, and Institut
national de la recherche scientifique, with the contributions of
numerous partners, including northern communities, Indigenous
communities, public and private sectors and university
representatives.
Autumn An INQ implementation committee is created.
2015 200 people gather in Université Laval’s Hydro-Québec auditorium
May 20 (Desjardins pavilion) for the first symposium on INQ’s research
priorities.
November The Research Priorities Working Group is created and tasked with
keeping INQ partners at the cutting edge of innovation, advancing
knowledge creation, and applying it to the sustainable development
of the North and the circumpolar world.
2016 Five workshops are held to define the content of the research
Spring priorities. In all, the work takes hundreds of hours and involves
numerous meetings attended by nearly 150 researchers and
organizational representatives.
October The process for defining INQ’s research priorities is presented at the
plenary session for Société du Plan Nord partners.
2017 Working with researchers and Indigenous representatives, the
March 7-8 research needs of First Peoples are defined during the Forum on
the Research Needs of First Peoples, held in the First Peoples
Pavilion at the Val-d’Or campus of Université du Québec
en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 5
6 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific Program
The Central Issues
Development and climate change pose major transectoral challenges in the North. Tackling the
multiple facets of these issues requires significant cooperation and effective partnerships.
To facilitate this approach, INQ has developed a scientific program built around a series of key
priorities and themes. Rather than creating silos, these priorities and themes are an effective vehicle
for mobilizing and pooling a wide range of necessary expertise.
As the research community converges around shared issues raised by the imperatives of sustainable
development, each research theme and priority benefits from a vital synergy. For example, mining
development raises a number of interrelated challenges related to community well-being and
employment, ecosystem protection, economic viability, energy supply, and transportation and
communications. These challenges should not be tackled separately.
Most issues that have to do with development, the well-being of local populations, and ecosystem
health are now related to global climate change, the repercussions of which are much more rapid
and severe in the North.
First Peoples’ Interests
and Aspirations
To ensure that research addresses their priorities, First Peoples want to play a major role identifying
research needs. They want the researchers who work on northern issues to
be more aware of realities, because research carried out in the North must respect First Peoples’
values and ways.
They also want research priorities and initiatives to be reviewed on a regular basis so they can be
adapted to changes within First Peoples communities. This will strengthen cooperation between
partners and ensure research is rooted in the needs and realties of First Peoples communities.
At the Forum on the Research Needs of First Peoples, held in March 2017, First Peoples participants
raised concerns about the geographic and political border created by the 49th parallel and what this
issue represents for them in terms of inclusiveness. They asked researchers to take this particular
issue into account. Participants at the Forum also discussed the Guidelines for Research in the North,
established by INQ’s First Peoples Working Group. Researchers are urged to familiarize themselves
with these guidelines in order to create research projects that are consistent with First Peoples’
interests and concerns.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 7
Promising Outcomes
INQ’s research priorities will draw upon the pooled expertise of northern researchers to generate
numerous innovative outcomes. The multiple research themes will allow for a better understanding
of the effects of resource development on Québec’s northern communities, both Indigenous and
non-Indigenous. The research projects will highlight how winter and the northern environment have
shaped Québec’s culture and will draw attention to Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural output,
thereby helping the local communities and Québec to understand the value and importance of
Indigenous culture.
The purpose of all the research priorities is to improve the living conditions of northern populations
by developing strategies to keep their communities and environments strong and secure. In the
context of climate change, research will establish northern development models that keep ecosys-
tems healthy and promote the sustainable use of resources.
All of the research priorities established by INQ will prioritize social acceptability, community
participation, and positive local outcomes by integrating development and knowledge mobilization
strategies that benefit northern communities, as well as the global community.
8 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramResearch Priorities
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 9Priority 1
Photo : Keith Levesque / ArcticNet
Societies
Description
Indigenous peoples are determined to have their
and Culture rights recognized and protect their languages,
cultures, and heritage. Given the interest in
Arctic development and the possible opening of
northern shipping routes, many communities
and regions are looking for development models
Themes aligned with their needs and priorities.
Development and territoriality
The purpose of this priority is to improve our
Cultural heritage and representations knowledge of social and cultural issues by
studying the different models for northern
Languages, identities, knowledge transmis- development as well as the cultural works and
sion, and education heritage, identities, territoriality, knowledge
transmission, living environments, economic and
Physical and human living environments
geopolitical interests, and local and international
Law and governance governance models of Northern Québec and the
circumpolar Arctic.
10 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramDevelopment and Cultural Heritage
Territoriality and Representation
Issues Issues
With the North facing a development boom for Much research remains to be done in the fields
renewable and non-renewable resources, the of Algonquin and Inuit archaeology, heritage,
purpose of this theme is to study the conse- and cultural output in Québec. Little attention
quences of resource development projects and has been paid to northern Indigenous and non
modes of land use and occupancy. Special Indigenous cultural heritage. Under this theme,
attention will be paid to the economic, human, researchers will look at Indigenous and non
social, and cultural impacts of these develop- Indigenous cultures, works, and heritage in
ment projects. Researchers, organizations, and Northern Québec, but also in Québec as a
Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities will whole, as an integral part of the circumpolar
be looking to identify the resource management world. The research will focus on the history and
and development models that will secure archeology of Northern Québec and will also
sustainable lifestyles for the communities. study cultural representations of winter and
northern life.
Objectives
• Consider the social, cultural, human, and Objectives
economic consequences of renewable and • Continue research in Algonquin and Inuit
non-renewable resource development projects archaeology
• Study modes of land use and occupancy • Find ways to recognize and promote Indige-
nous and non Indigenous cultural heritage
• Study and design new resource development
and management models • Compare cultural situations and works in
Northern and Southern Québec, Québec as a
Outcomes whole, and the rest of the circumpolar world
•Better understanding of the effects of resource • Analyze cultural representations of winter and
development on the communities northern life, including urban winter, in Québec
and the circumpolar world
• New models for sustainable resource
development
Outcomes
• Revised land use planning and management • Recognition and promotion of the archaeolo-
that respects occupancy and use gical and cultural heritage of Northern Québec
and Québec as a whole
• Recognition of the role of winter and the
North in Québec culture
• Recognition and promotion of Indigenous and
non Indigenous cultural works
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 11Languages, Identities, Physical and
Knowledge Transmission, Human Living
and Education Environments
Issues Issues
In Northern Québec, the oral tradition still The economic and social conditions facing
provides an important sense of place, meaning, Indigenous populations often put them at a
and identity, as well as a valuable window into disadvantage in relation to the general
the history of Indigenous peoples. Research population of Québec. The purpose of this
carried out under this theme in partnership with theme is to document the living environments
Indigenous communities and organizations and conditions of northern Indigenous and non
looks at Indigenous identities, traditions, orality, Indigenous communities. Researchers look at the
cosmologies, and contemporary cultural built environment, socioeconomic conditions,
practices and expressions. Northern communi- and physical environment of these populations
ties and researchers also study language to provide a full socioeconomic account of
and knowledge with a view to revitalizing northern Indigenous communities and to situate
Indigenous languages, including through Northern Québec relative to other
translation. The focus is also on educational circumpolar communities.
processes and key factors leading to academic
success and a positive sense of culture Objectives
and identity.
• Study the socioeconomic conditions of
Indigenous and non Indigenous communities
Objectives
• Study Indigenous traditions, cosmologies, and • Study physical and human living environments
identities in the North
• Identify, recognize, and foster contemporary Expected Outcomes
cultural practices and expressions
• Improved living conditions for these
• Promote orality and knowledge transmission populations
• Translate and promote cultural products • Development of strategies to ensure the long
term viability of northern living environments
Expected Outcomes and communities
• Adoption by the various nations of strategies
to preserve, revitalize, and promote their
languages and cultures
• Improvement in the transmission and promo-
tion of knowledge and identification of poten-
tial solutions for improving academic success
and training within Indigenous communities
• Promotion of contemporary Indigenous
cultural practices and expressions
12 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramGovernance and Law Objectives
• Take into account the pluralism of legal orders
and traditions
Issues
Northern Québec is one of the few northern • Study and document whether human rights
regions with regional systems of government (individual and collective) are being upheld
and territorial identities that are recognized at
the administrative level. Internationally, • Study and document Arctic geopolitics and
Northern Québec is part of the circumpolar geoeconomics as well as the evolution of legal
Arctic, which is experiencing profound transfor- frameworks
mations caused by climate change and the • Study Arctic governance (economic
potential for economic development, including development, resources, environmental
natural resource development and new sea protection) and the changing Indigenous
routes. On a national level, researchers study political landscape
the political and legal relationships between
Indigenous groups and the various levels of
government. Topics addressed include Expected Outcomes
governance, human—especially territorial— • Guidelines and tools to help political and
rights, political transformation, and the mobili- economic actors make decisions when
zation of Indigenous communities and political negotiating with other actors
organizations. Researchers also take an interest
in Indigenous legal traditions and their • Valuable analyses of local, regional, and
interactions with state law, as well as modes international governance
of regional cooperation between Indigenous
and non Indigenous communities. At the
international level, research focuses on
economic, political, and legal transformations
involving state and non state actors in the
Arctic and beyond.
First Peoples’ research interests and
aspirations for this priority
The dissemination of information about current or future research projects is critical for
First Peoples, as is access to relevant research results written in plain language. First
Peoples want their knowledge to be recognized and valued in the same way
as scientific knowledge. They favour action-based research on their stated needs (e.g.,
innovations to improve sub-standard housing in many communities) and not just on the
needs identified by researchers. First Peoples want to continue participating in scientific
committees and, as much as possible, to serve as co-researchers and co-directors in
research that involves them. They also advocate a multidisciplinary approach. To help
them play a more effective role in research activities, they encourage the promotion of
research and the job opportunities it creates for youth.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 13Priority 2
Photo : Alexandre Forest / ArcticNet
Health Issues
Northern Indigenous populations experience a
disproportionately high burden of infectious and
non-communicable diseases, e.g. cardiovascular
diseases and risk factors, and mental health
issues, leading to considerable health inequities
with non-Indigenous Canadians. Health and
Research expertise within the Health illness are not solely a function of individuals’
Priority cover three large areas: biological and genetic constitution or behaviou-
1. Health issues ral risk factors. Poorer social and environmental
living conditions are among the fundamental
2. Factors shaping health causes leading to ill health and health inequities.
Such health inequities are influenced by the
3. Healing, and health and social services
unequal distribution of health determinants at
different levels and throughout the life course,
including childhood development, cultural
continuity, living conditions at home and in the
community, health systems, racism and social
exclusion, and self-determination, as well as
broader environmental conditions such as
ecosystem contamination and climate change.
In addition to etiological research aimed at
improving our understanding of health
outcomes and their risk factors, intervention
research, both clinical and population-based,
is needed to identify potential solutions and
best practices to improve the health of northern
populations and reduce inequities. In addition to
research focusing on illness and diseases,
research should also pay attention to resilience,
adaptation, and positive aspects of health.
14 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramObjectives Outcomes
Scholars involved in the INQ Health Priority - Recognize and value the leadership and
recognize the importance of conducting self-determination of northern Indigenous
research that is relevant to the North, in peoples, organizations and governments in
accordance with priorities that are defined setting research priorities for their regions.
by the North, and using a partnership approach.
Under this approach, northern populations and - Provide an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral
researchers collaborate, to the best of their research environment based on respect
ability on all aspects of research (from between academic researchers and northern
formulating research objectives to populations, i.e., an environment in which
disseminating results). research is decolonized
Communities evolve and health research - Train a new generation of Indigenous health
priorities must adapt to these changes. With practitioners and researchers
this in mind, health research themes and goals
- Promote and improve health and well-being,
are flexible and will be periodically revised to
and reduce health inequities
reflect health issues and determinants and the
care systems in place. This will strengthen
collaboration between partners, ensure that
research is locally and regionally relevant, and
involve communities in the quest for solutions.
In general, research conducted under the Health
priority aims to:
- Undertake rigorous, high-quality fundamental,
clinical, population, and intervention research,
the objectives of which are defined in collabo-
ration with northern populations, to ensure
that research being conducted is relevant to
them and contributes to the advancement of
scientific knowledge
- Integrate western and Indigenous knowledge
and methods
- Define health holistically and in harmony with
Indigenous concepts to include physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions,
as well as the factors shaping health at the
individual, household, community,
environmental, and global levels throughout
the life course
- Foster a positive approach to health, where
health, well-being and resilience are
considered in addition to ill health and disease
- Undertake research projects guided by values
such as trust, respect, transparency, honesty,
open-mindedness, inclusiveness, engagement,
and communication
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 15First Peoples’ research interests and
aspirations for this priority
First Peoples advocate interdisciplinary research that integrates social and ecological
approaches. An interdisciplinary approach allows for a fuller understanding of the under-
lying causes of health problems, their intergenerational effects, and resulting health
inequalities (e.g., through the study of government policies and programs). First Peoples
want to better understand how poverty and the cost of living affect health (e.g., through
research on obesity and diabetes) and health-related behaviours (e.g., drug use). They also
want research to target mental health by focusing on substance abuse, life trajectories, and
resilience. In addition, they want to promote culturally appropriate health care and make
such care available in their communities. First Peoples would like indigenous medical
practices (such as midwifery practices and ceremonies) to be documented. Moreover, they
want to better understand how climate change, mining activity, and environmental conta-
minants affect health.
16 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramPriority 3
Ecosystem Description
Marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems
Functioning and play an essential role in the food security and
well-being of northern residents by producing
Environmental an abundant supply of healthy food. Thus there
is a real need to evaluate the consequences of
Protection
the many stresses exerted on these ecosystems,
including land and resource use and rapid
climate change.
Organized around marine and terrestrial themes,
this research priority focuses on issues related
Themes to global warming, thaw, freshwater, food
Northern terrestrial and freshwater security, and the greenhouse effect, with an
environments emphasis on coastal environments, which are
home to most inhabitants of the North. This
Investigation, monitoring, and management priority will promote the protection of biodiver-
of coastal zones and ice-bound seas sity and ecosystem services, inform resource
management, and contribute to the implemen-
tation of innovative measures for mitigation
and adaptation.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 17Northern Terrestrial and Expected Outcomes
• Development of strategies for conservation,
Freshwater Environments land-use planning (defining protected areas to
maximize biodiversity conservation) and
Issues resource management (water supply, healthy
The changes caused by the combined effects of caribou populations) based on assessment of
accelerated socioeconomic development, strong multiple scenarios
population growth, and global warming are more
• New infrastructure development plans (mines,
significant in the High North. The purpose of this
roads, airports) to adapt infrastructure and
theme is to gain a better understanding of four
make it more durable and resilient in the face
crucial aspects of terrestrial environments: past
of new disturbance regimes arising from
changes and the present state of northern
climate change
geosystems and ecosystems; the benefits of
these systems to society; natural and anthro- • Paradigm shift in approaches to land use in
pogenic changes affecting these benefits; and permafrost zones, construction management,
environmental and human infrastructure mana- and municipal service management, with an
gement strategies for mitigating and attenuating approach that recognizes the uncertainties,
these changes and adapting to them. complexities, feedback loops, and interactions
related to the evolving state of the northern
Objectives environment
• Study the temporal and spatial evolution of • Refinements in observations and models to
northern landscapes and biological communi- better predict environmental change (physical
ties and the factors responsible for their properties of snow and climate models, carbon
transformation to gain a better understanding flux and storage, lake and river ice cover for
of the current state of the environment and safe transportation of people, rainfall and
better predict changes, particularly in res- evaporation, ice jam formation and flood risk)
ponse to climate change
• Incorporate physical, chemical, and biological
processes and their interactions, as well as the
interconnections between terrestrial systems
Investigation, Monitoring,
in order to better understand and model the and Management of
state of northern environments and their capa-
city to perform geosystem and ecosystem
Coastal Zones and
services Ice-Bound Seas
• Evaluate the resilience and vulnerability of
Issues
northern geosystems and ecosystems in the
face of the cumulative effects of disturbances Thawing pack ice and rising temperatures in the
(fire, insects, natural hazards), global changes, seas surrounding northern Québec are affecting
and land use marine ecosystems and their productivity,
causing local and global climate change,
• Develop new management strategies, me- opening up new new sea routes, facilitating
thods (remote sensing, automated in situ mineral resource development, and affecting the
measures, modeling) and approaches to well-being of Québec’s northern communities.
improve long term monitoring of the northern This theme focuses on the migration of fish
human–environment system, restore disturbed species, the impact of new sea routes, and
environments, and adaptively manage re- increased shipping of ore and fossil fuels,
sources, taking past, present, and future maritime security vs. economic development,
conditions into account and the protection of iconic marine mammals as
well as the coastal marine ecosystems. To study
these developments, scientists will monitor the
18 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific Programrapid evolution of northern seas and the • Assess how changes in Arctic marine environ-
services they provide, and Québec’s research ments are impacting the oceanic and terrestrial
capacities will be pooled and modernized climate at the regional level
(oceanography, marine geophysics, and meteo-
rology/climatology) and adapted to conditions Expected Outcomes
in the North.
• Knowledge of the current state and probable
future of seas with seasonal ice cover to inform
Objectives decisions, development, and adaptation
• Measure and model the consequences of
global warming, ice thaw, ocean acidification, • Scientific and ecological monitoring of oil and
and continental inputs for marine ecosystems mining development, navigation, and tourism
(biodiversity, productivity, greenhouse gas in northern seas
storage), the well-being of northern residents,
• Creation of a technology cluster specializing
and coastal economic development
in northern oceanography
• In anticipation of the new sea routes and
• Optimization of the scientific output of the
increased vessel traffic, map the ocean floor
RV Amundsen
(bathymetry and geology) and marine habitats
and enhance operational oceanography
capabilities to maximize security and
ecosystem preservation
• Support the development and management of
sustainable commercial and subsistence
fisheries and devise measures to adapt to
changes in the abundance and quality of
marine food
First Peoples’ research interests and
aspirations for this priority
First Peoples stress the importance of creating joint and complementary research groups
(with scientists and First Peoples participants). These research groups must adapt their
work to the northern environment rather than reproduce research models from the South.
Results should be widely and fully disseminated. First Peoples are concerned about how
climate change and northern development are affecting their traditional activities, such as
fishing and subsistence hunting. They therefore advocate research on the impacts of
mining on fishing and aquatic resources; water contamination and its impact on humans
and animals; groundwater protection; caribou protection and the impact of muskox
introduction on caribout populations; land-use planning and First Peoples fishing and
hunting know-how; and the effects of climate change on the health of coastal marine
habitats and on the availability and quality of marine foods. First Peoples point out that
animals do not observe borders and that the 49th parallel should not used as a dividing
line for research and research funding.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 19Priority 4
Photo : Guy Doré
Infrastructure Description
Developing Québec’s North will require new
and Technology technologies and infrastructure adapted to
a harsh environment characterized by a cold
climate, isolated populations, and thawing
permafrost. New infrastructure (buildings and
transportation) must be designed to withstand
Themes the impacts of climate change while meeting
Building sustainable infrastructure the needs expressed by Indigenous populations.
Advances in communication technologies will
Information technology be used to facilitate information sharing and
improve public and environmental safety.
Environmental technology
As the North develops, the health of human
populations and northern ecosystems will need
to be protected. It will be essential to develop
and install effective technologies to protect
water supplies, restore disturbed sites, manage
and reclaim waste, and protect air quality.
20 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramBuilding sustainable Expected Outcomes
• Improvements in quality of life for northern
infrastructure populations and workers through improve-
ments to the quality of transportation and
Issues community infrastructure
In-depth knowledge of the physical environ-
• Improvements in infrastructure reliability that
ment, available resources, and logistical challen-
improve service delivery, the safety of local
ges of infrastructure construction and operation
populations, and the productivity of resource
is a prerequisite for any type of development in
development operations
the North. Transport infrastructure planning and
community planning are essential conditions • Improved social and economic conditions for
for the sustainable development of northern northern populations
environments. Geotechnical investigations, as
well as design, construction, and management, • Development of local skills and expertise
must all be adapted to northern realities.
Plans for dismantling, recycling, and repurposing
built structures, restoring sites, and delivering
optimal energy efficiency must be determined Information Technology
in advance. These operations require knowledge
of the fundamental behaviours and interactions Issues
of northern elements and systems, as well as an
Recent advances in telecommunications and
ability to assess environmental risk and impact
information technology, including telepresence,
in the context of climate change and more
telemedecine, telecommuting, and distance
frequent extreme weather events. The focus of
education, have a central role to play in the
this theme is transport infrastructure (roads
development of Northern Québec. To this end,
and bridges, airports, railways, energy transport,
certain technologies will need to be developed
and communications), resource infrastructure
for or adapted to the extreme conditions in the
(dams, water and electrical resources, mineral
North. The purpose of this theme is to create
resources) and community infrastructure
immersive and collective virtual (or augmented)
(public and residential buildings and safety
reality environments for small, remote
infrastructure).
populations, develop robotic applications for
use in scientific and mining facilities, and
Objectives establish a robust, reliable and fully redundant
• Facilitate the design and construction of high-speed telecommunications network
appropriate, sustainable, reliable, and safe in the Far North. The research will focus on
infrastructure for the social and economic the viability, durability, and effectiveness
development of communities and industry in of optical, wireless, and satellite solutions
the North for communication needs; on telecommunica-
tions components for extreme-weather
• Improve knowledge of the physical environ- installations; and the development of materials
ment and its interaction with transport and and components for IT systems adapted to
community infrastructures northern climates. There will be an emphasis on
designing technological solutions for mining
• Improve existing tools and methods and
facilities as well as technologies that allow
develop new ones to ensure the sustainable
groups in different locations to share a single
development of infrastructure in northern
virtual environment that supports dynamic
environments
cooperation and realistic interactions. Operation
• Ensure expertise and skills are developed in of monitoring networks and development
the communities and knowledge is shared of smart systems for the North will also be
explored under this theme.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 21Objective Expected Outcomes
• Design or adapt telecommunication tools • Reduced incidence of waterborne disease in
and information technology for isolated and northern communities
remote communities
• Decrease in waste production through in-
creased recyling
Expected Outcomes
• Greater community security • Development of alternative energy sources
through biomass and waste conversion
• More education options
• Increased reuse of resources to foster the
• Improved social and economic conditions for circular economy
northern populations thanks to telework
infrastructure
• Implementation of the technology required
for remote medical consultations
Environmental Technology
Issues
This theme revolves around the development of
effective and robust techniques for the safe
treatment and distribution of drinking water to
northern populations. Wastewater disposal and
treatment will be studied, as will the methods
for decontaminating sites polluted by human
activities. As material resources are often hard
to come by in northern regions, it will be
essential to develop tools that enable northern
communities to optimize waste and biomass
recycling and conversion. The issue of technolo-
gy choice in northern environments will be
examined, as will the need the train and educate
the local communities.
Objectives
• Design or adapt technological treatment,
purification, decontamination, and manage-
ment tools to support development in the
North and protect northern populations and
ecosystems
• Develop wastewater treatments systems and
technologies for restoring contaminated sites
• Develop conversion processes for biomass,
waste, and residual materials
• Develop effective processes for treating
industrial effluent and restoring mining sites
22 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramFirst Peoples’ research interests and
aspirations for this priority
First Peoples want better use to be made of existing and future research centres. They
also want community facilities to be considered as potential research sites. First Peoples
are very concerned about waste management, especially equipment brought in from
the South and abandoned on site by companies after they ceased operations, and the
effects of this practice on the health of residents and the territory. They also want to
reduce their ecological footprint by launching environmental initiatives (such as building
environmentally friendly homes, safely harvesting rainwater, creating community gardens,
and composting). They also argue that groundwater research is essential to better
understand this resource and put effective protection measures in place. Difficulties in
accessing technology and the fiber optical network are additionals concerns, as they make
certain job-creation initiatives problematic or even impossible. First Peoples encourage
the promotion of available jobs and the distribution of information about educational
opportunities for First Peoples youth, to train the next generation of workers from
the North.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 23Photo : En haut à gauche: Martin Fortier / ArcticNet / en bas à gauche : Goldcorp inc.
Priority 5
Natural Description
Natural resources and energy are the economic
Ressources drivers of northern development. Northern
Québec has some 200,000 sq. km of high
quality forest resources with the potential to
foster creation of value-added products and the
emergence of whole new fields, such as nor-
thern agroforestry. Northern mineral resources
Themes
include strategic minerals used in technology,
Forest planning and management which could prove more resilient to the vagaries
Responsible mineral development of the global economy. The region also boasts
considerable energy potential representing
Energy three quarters of Québec’s total hydroelectric
production. In addition, the North has significant
wind energy potential, as well as considerable
solar energy potential during the summer. But
the environment is extremely vulnerable to
climate change and the impact of human
activities. Land access, characterization of the
environment, optimization and integration of
exploitation systems, environmental issues,
community involvement, and local benefits are
other topics dealt with under this priority.
24 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramForest Planning • Training of personnel specialized in
northern issues
and Management
• Efforts to develop new methods, products,
and markets to sustain active industries
Issues
in the North
Québec’s northern forests span over 200,000
sq. km and account for nearly 40% of the total • Development of new partnerships
volume of wood harvested in Québec. These
forests generate employment and deliver a
multitude of wildlife, cultural, ecological,
recreational, and tourism services that are Responsible Mineral
central to the development of northern Development
communities. They must be managed in a way
that optimizes the value chain, environmental
sustainability, and social acceptability of the Issues
forestry regime. Northern forests will help in Mineral resources are one of the main sources
the fight against climate change by maintaining of economic development in Northern Québec.
biological diversity, capturing excess carbon Most of the land has been summarily mapped
and sequestering it in bio based materials and at large scale, except in areas where minerals
products, and providing a substitute for are being extracted. This vast territory has the
products made from non renewable resources. potential to greatly increase and diversify
In the interests of an ecosystem-based manage- Québec’s mineral production. Precise data on
ment approach that takes into consideration the geological characteristics of the bedrock
the needs of multiple users, northern forestry and continental shelf is needed to improve
requires a comprehensive approach that leaves land-use planning based on scientific
room for other activities such as mining and knowledge. Mineral resources must be deve-
energy production. Northern development and loped in harmony with local communities and
northern forestry must take ecosystem health according to best practices, which must be
into account in a context of resource adapted to the conditions and realities of
management and climate change. Northern Québec. More specifically, special
efforts must be made to reduce the ecological
footprint of mining operations and the
Objectives environmental risk associated with mine tailing
• Keep ecosystems healthy in a context of storage. In addition to improving geological
resource management and climate change knowledge of the North, it is essential to
improve the energy efficiency of mining
• Make optimal use of the resource (wood and operations, optimize extraction and planning,
other) and find innovative ways to recycle and reuse
waste materials.
• Foster the participation of Indigenous and non
Indigenous communities
Objectives
• Develop and upgrade knowledge and skills in • Acquire geological, geochemical, geophysical,
a context of climate change and hydrological knowledge
• Document conditions to establish an environ-
Expected Outcomes mental baseline
• Improved knowledge relating to the
• Create tools for predicting site potential and
development of Northern Québec
contamination as well as for mining optimiza-
• Stimulation of northern community tion and strategic planning
development through capacity building
• Develop processes for restoration, re naturali-
and local spinoffs
zation, long-term monitoring, and energy
efficiency
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 25Expected Outcomes Expected Outcomes
• Acquisition of scientific knowledge serving as • Significant economic benefits due largely to
a basis for decisions about land use and favourable market conditions for mineral and
mineral resource potential forest resources
• Development of methods designed to opti- • Major scientific and technoIogical innovations
mize resource development along the entire driven by ambitious, multidisciplinary objec-
value chain tives
• Development of methods for storing mine
tailings that reduce the long-term ecological
impact and environmental risks
• Training of highly qualified personnel specia-
lized in the geology of Northern Québec and
methods for optimizing mineral extraction and
mine tailing storage in a northern context
Energy
Issues
Access to energy and the efficient, sustainable
use of energy are central to the coherent,
integrated, sustainable development of the
Canadian North. Even if 75% of Québec’s
hydroelectric capacity is concentrated within
the Plan Nord region, access to sustainable
energy is limited north of James Bay. Most
energy used in the North comes from fossil
fuels. The only exceptions have been a few
experimental projects and demonstrations. New,
low impact energy sources must be identified
and the whole energy supply chain optimized,
from construction and production to transpor-
tation, distribution, and end use.
Objectives
• Provide an overview of the environment and
its evolution over time
• Evaluate the changing needs of occupants
• Study new energy systems
• Aim for social acceptability, involvement by
local communities, and benefits to those same
communities
26 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramFirst Peoples’ research interests and
aspirations for this priority
First Peoples are very concerned about the overexploitation of the northern
resources and the consequences for medicinal plants, water, and forests. They support
development as long as it is based on the sustainable use of resources and is carried out
with the intention of protecting rather than exploiting the territory (e.g., by creating
protected areas). First Peoples also recommend that companies that develop natural
resources should be responsible for instigating environmental impact studies. Moreover,
they suggest that the definition of “North” be reviewed in the context of natural resource
development on First Peoples land. First Peoples advocate a collaborative approach to
research, in which researchers and First Peoples entities build equally on empirical
knowledge and First Peoples knowledge. To this end, it is suggested that First Peoples
should be represented at universities and in research groups that study the dynamics
of the North.
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 27Appendices
Priority 1 / Societies Suzanne Manningham
Education
Laboratoire d’archéologie
Université Laval
and cultures Université Laval
International Laboratory for the
Geneviève Motard Comparative Multidisciplinary Study
Project leads : Law of Representations of the North
Caroline Desbiens and Université Laval UQAM
Thierry Rodon
Sylvie Poirier
Anthropology
Participants at the Université Laval Collaborators
working session : Thierry Rodon
Kristin Bartenstein
Political Science
Ellen Avard Law
Université Laval
Geography Université Laval
The Nunavik Research Centre Colin Scott
Myriam Blais
Anthropology
Kristin Bartenstein Architecture
McGill University
Law Université Laval
Université Laval Jean-Claude Therrien-Pinette
Jean-Michel Beaudoin
Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam
Myriam Blais Wood and forest sciences
Architecture Geneviève Vachon Université Laval
Université Laval Architecture
Caroline Desbiens
Université Laval
Hélène Boivin Geography
First Nation of Pekuakamiulnuatsh James Woollett Université Laval
rights and comprehensive Archeology
Daniel Chartier
land negotiation Université Laval
Cultural studies
Mashteuiatsh
UQAM
Marie-Pierre Bousquet
Paule Halley
Anthropology Participating Research Law
Université de Montréal Centres, or Centres likely Université Laval
Daniel Chartier to participate
Patrick Evans
Cultural studies
Centre de recherche Architecture
Université du Québec à Montréal
interuniversitaire sur la littérature UQAM
(UQAM)
et la culture québécoise (CRILCQ) Michelle Daveluy
Christian Coocoo
Chaire de recherche sur l’imaginaire Anthropology
Culture and Heritage
du Nord, de l’hiver et de l’Arctique Université Laval
Council of the Atikamekw Nation
Université du Québec à Montréal Suzanne Manningham
Caroline Desbiens (UQAM) Education
Geography
Canada Research Chair on Université Laval
Université Laval
Comparative Aboriginal Condition Geneviève Motard
Patrick Evans Université Laval Law
Architecture
Research Chair on Environmental Université Laval
UQAM
Law Frédéric Lasserre
Valérie Fauteux Université Laval Geography
Naskapie Nation
Centre interuniversitaire d’études et Université Laval
Serge Ashini Goupil de recherches autochtones (CIÉRA) Sylvie Poirier
Tourism
Centre de recherche et d’intervention Anthropology
Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam
sur la réussite scolaire (CRIRES) Université Laval
Francis Lévesque
Northern Sustaible Development Thierry Rodon
Anthropology
Research Chair Political Science
Université du Québec en
Université Laval Université Laval
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Conseil québécois d’études Geneviève Vachon
Carole Lévesque
géopolitiques (CQEG) Architecture
Anthropology
Université Laval
Institut national de recherche
scientifique (INRS) Réseau DIALOG
Groupe de recherche Habitats et
cultures de l’École d’architecture
Université Laval
28 Institut nordique du Québec Synthesis – Scientific ProgramAnticipated partners Priority 2 / Health Frédéric Veyrier*
Genomic bacteriology and evolution
Kativik Regional Government INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier
Project leads :
Assemblée des Premières Nations du Mylène Riva (with Murray Grant Vandenberg
Québec et du Labrador (APNQL) Humphries), Mélanie Lemire Integrated aquaculture
(with Gina Muckle and and aquaponics
Bibliothèque et Archives nationales Pierre Ayotte) Université Laval
du Québec (BAnQ)
Hope Weiler
Centre for Indigenous Conservation Dietetics and human nutrition
and Development Alternatives
Participants at the McGill University
(CICADA) working session :
Université Laval Cédric Yansouni*
Pierre Ayotte Infectious Diseases
Commission de toponymie — Social and preventive Health Care McGill University Health Centre
Gouvernement du Québec Université Laval
Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw Faiz Ahmad Khan
Nehirowisiw Respiratory epidemiology Participating Research
McGill University Centres, or Centres likely
Corporation Archéo-08
Kendra Tonkin to participate
Cree Cultural Institute
(pour Neil Andersson*)
Cree Nation Government Family medicine Anishinabe Kekendazone Network
McGill University Environment for Aboriginal
Groupe d’études en droits et libertés Health Research
(GEDEL) Janice Bailey
Université Laval Animal sciences Cape Breton University
Université Laval
Groupe de recherche sur les sociétés Centre for Indigenous Peoples’
plurinationales (GRSP) Paul Brassard Nutrition and Environment (CINE)
Université du Québec à Montréal Clinical epidemiology
Centre for Outcomes Research and
McGill University Health Centre
Avataq Cultural Institute Evaluation (CORE)
Kaberi Dasgupta
Institut Tshakapesh McGill International Tuberculosis
Diabetes
Centre
The Research Institute of the McGill
Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh University Health Centre Centre de recherche du CHU
Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau de Québec – Université Laval
James Ford*
(KMHB) Geography Quebec Centre for Biodiversity
Première Nation des McGill University Science
Pekuakamiulnuatsh Christopher Fletcher Research Center of the
Société d’habitation du Québec Anthropology Sainte-Justine University Hospital
(SHQ) Université Laval
Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire
Société du Plan Nord Murray Humphries sur la biologie, la santé, la société et
Food l’environnement (CINBIOSE)
Makivik Corporation McGill University
Centre intégré universitaire de santé
Saturviit Inuit Women’s Association Monique Lacroix et de services sociaux (CIUSSS)
of Nunavik Nutrition
Institut national de recherche Centre interuniversitaire d’études et
Tourisme Autochtone Québec (TAQ) scientifique (INRS)-Institut de recherches autochtones (CIÉRA)
Armand-Frappier
Major projects in progress Participatory Research at McGill
Mélanie Lemire (PRAM)
identified by participants Social and preventive medicine
Centre de recherche du CHU Nasivvik Research Chair in
« Habiter le Nord québécois » de Québec – Université Laval Ecosystem Approaches to
– in partnership with Conseil de Northern Health
recherches en sciences humaines Michel Lucas Université Laval
(CRSH) Social and preventive medicine
Centre de recherche du CHU Division of Social and Transcultural
MinErAL Network – de Québec – Université Laval Psychiatry
in partnership with CRSH McGill University
Mary Ellen Macdonald
Tshishipiminu – in partnership Dentistry École des hautes études en santé
with CRSH McGill University publique, Rennes, France
Gina Muckle Faculté de médecine vétérinaire
Psychology Université de Montréal
Centre de recherche du CHU
INRS–Institut Armand-Frappier
de Québec – Université Laval
Canadian Institute for Energy
Mylène Riva
Training (CIET)
Geography
McGill University
* : distance participation
Synthesis – Scientific Program Institut nordique du Québec 29Institut Louis-Malardé, Polynésie Indigenous and Northern Affairs Ministère de l’Agriculture, des
française Canada Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation
(MAPAQ)
Public health expertise and Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Gouvernement du Québec
reference centre Programme (AMAP)
University of Southern Denmark Ministère de la Santé
Assembly of First Nations Gouvernement du Nunavut
Institut national des langues et Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL)
civilisations orientales de National Geographic
l’Université Sorbonne, France BD Bioscience Canada
National Institute of Environmental
Montréal Botanical Garden bioMérieux Canada inc. Health and Sciences (NIEHS)
Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique Biopterre de l’Institut de Nunavut Tunngavik inc.
Bio-Inorganique et Environnement technologie agro-alimentaire du
(LCABIE) de Université de Pau Campus de La Pocatière Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau
et des pays de l’Adour (KMHB)
Native Friendship Centre of Montreal
Laboratoire de recherche Food and Agriculture Organization
The Nunavik Research Centre of the United Nations (FAO)
sur les enjeux relatifs aux
femmes autochtones Centre de recherche en World Health Organization (WHO)
UQAT organogénèse expérimentale de
l’Université Laval /LOEX Pauktuutit Inuit Women’s Association
Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and
Changing Environments Centres Nationaux de Recherche Kahnawake Schools Diabetes
Technologique (CNRT) de l’Université Prevention Project
Québec-Océan de la Nouvelle-Calédonie
Health Canada
Réseau DIALOG National Aboriginal Circle Against
Family Violence Makivik Corporation
Takuvik
Nunavik Nutrition and Health Nunavut Housing Corporation
University of British Columbia
Committee St. George ‘s University
University of Winnipeg Nunavik Regional Board of Health (SGU), Grenada
and Social Services
Trent University Tlicho Community Services Agency
First Nations of Quebec and
Unité d’épidémiologie respiratoire Labrador Health and Social University of Southern Denmark
et de recherche clinique (RECRU) Services Commission
de l’Institut thoracique de Montréal
Kativik School Board
Aarhus University, Denmark
Community Wellness Worker
The Arctic University of Norway, Program, Nunavik Priority 3 / Ecosystem
(UIT)
Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada functioning and envi-
Université de Moncton (ICC) ronmental protection
University of Pretoria, Cree Board of Health and Social
South Africa Services of James Bay Project leads :
Warwick Vincent and
University of Ottawa Conseil de gestion des ressources Jean-Éric Tremblay
University of California — Davis fauniques de la région marine
du Nunavik
University of Guelph Participants at the
Environmental Protection Agency
University of Hawaii at Mānoa (EPA), Irlande working sessions :
University of Manitoba Nunatsiavut Government
Government of Nunavut -
Earth Environment
University of Toronto
Department of Health and Freshwater
University of Northern British
Columbia Micronutrient Initiative Michel Allard
Permafrost
University of the Sunshine Coast, Aurora Research Institute
Université Laval
Australie
Nunavut Research Institute
Dermot Antoniades
University of Victoria (videoconference)
Public health expertise and reference
University of Waterloo centre of Québec (INSPQ) Paleolimnology
Université Laval
Washington State University, USA Norwegian Institute for Air Research.
Dominique Arseneault
Wayne State University, Detroit, USA Institut Pasteur Forest fires
Université du Québec à Rimouski
York University Canadian Institutes of Health (UQAR)
Research (CIHR)
Christine Barnard
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) Coordination
Anticipated partners Université Laval
La Fondation Rotary
Kativik Regional Government Nunavik mayors and councilors
Merinov
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