Ottawa says new Arctic money does not mean it will allow offshore drilling

Since 2016, Canada has not allowed new oil and gas licences in its Arctic waters. Now the federal budget plans $11 million over four years for this area. It is for checking the environment and helping governments decide together. This is part of the Tariuq Accord, a 2023 agreement. The Inuvialuit, the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Ottawa signed it. The Inuvialuit are Inuit people of the Western Arctic. Federal minister Rebecca Chartrand told Cabin Radio the money is "absolutely not" a decision to end the ban. Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa is talking with northern governments about the ban.