Canada’s North QBDC pursues economic Nunavut communities’ economic development opportunities Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation in April 2016, the Qikiqtaaluk Business Devel- opment Corporation (QBDC) pursues economic develop- ment and infrastructure initiatives within the 13 communities of Nunavut’s Qikiqtani region. QBDC seeks to “improve community capacity and self-reliance by cre- ating opportunities that enhance local Inuit business and individual career development prospects while addressing the essential infrastructure and local economic deficit through partnership, innovation and investment.” The 13 communities include Nunavut’s capital, Iqaluit, and the 12 municipalities of Arctic Bay, Cape Dorset, Clyde River, Grise Fiord, Hall Beach, Igloolik, Kimmirut, Pangnir- tung, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, Resolute and Sanikiluaq. Sheldon Nimchuk, QBDC’s director of project develop- ment and partnerships, says the organization builds on the capacity developed within Qikiqtalluk Corporation over the years to assist the region’s communities through tradi- tional and alternate economic and infrastructure delivery models. QBDC will focus on promoting partnerships with government at various levels, while aligning private invest- ment opportunities with each of the 13 communities to- wards implementing their unique economic and social infrastructure development plans. The organization’s business plan states: “The long-term objective of QBDC would be to provide the appropriate re- sources and corporate knowledge available within Qikiq- taaluk Corp. and its group of companies as a catalyst to advancing a new economic model of self-reliance through effective partnership between our Qikiqtani communities and Inuit organizations along with the territorial and federal governments.” These efforts, Nimchuk says, will focus on economic sectors including but not limited to transportation, telecommunications, energy, resource and in-shore fish- eries development, along with social infrastructure to cre- ate alternative delivery opportunities in recognition that advancing future initiatives may utilize new technologies and renewables as a means to align stakeholders’ interests and business sustainability. QBDC will complement its resources to enhance skills development and employment opportunities, especially in business development and project management. The business plan notes: “One of the key objectives of QBDC in pursuing partnership opportunities will be to demonstrate dedicated commitments to training and ca- reer development for Inuit. Efforts to identify and pursue the incorporation of funding programs to maximize em- ployment and career development promotion in synergy with future economic development and essential infra- structure initiatives throughout our region.” Nimchuk says while the organization has begun advanc- ing some early initiatives, many specific strategies and plans have not yet been fully established. Imminent plans to develop an adaptable five-year strategic plan “will help focus our effort and be positioned to collaborate further with our communities.” QBDC is a division of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation which is wholly owned by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. The Canadian Design and Construction Report — July - August 2016 – 43