Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark, together with Greenland, reach historic agreement on long-standing boundary disputes

June 14, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Jeppe Kofod, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, along with Múte B. Egede, Prime Minister of Greenland, signed an agreement in Ottawa resolving outstanding boundary issues over Tartupaluk (Hans Island); the maritime boundary on the continental shelf within 200 nautical miles, including the Lincoln Sea; and the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in the Labrador Sea.

Inuit of Nunavut and Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) were consulted during the negotiations for this agreement. It maintains the traditional, symbolic and historic significance of Tartupaluk both to Inuit in Kalaallit Nunaat, in particular in Avanersuaq, and to Inuit in Nunavut and will ensure the continued access to and freedom of movement on the entirety of the island.

This agreement is a significant historic milestone in the relationship between friends and neighbours and is the culmination of years of discussions. The efforts deployed to reach this outcome demonstrate their leadership in the region and commitment to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.

The land boundary on Tartupaluk reflects the strong historic and cultural relations between communities in Canada and Greenland. It paves the way for stronger cooperation and the establishment of an even closer partnership between them.