Press Release

Inuit technology founder Leslie Canavera to lead Canadian joint venture advancing Arctic ice intelligence. 

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia – PolArctic and Arctic Economic Development Corp (AEDC) announce the launch of a new Canadian joint venture, PolArctic Canada, formed to deliver advanced Arctic ice intelligence tools for customers operating across Canada and around the world. 

PolArctic Canada will provide AI-enabled Arctic ice forecasting, analytics, and decision-support solutions designed to support safer navigation, improved operational planning, and informed decision-making in rapidly changing Arctic environments. 

The company will be led by Leslie Canavera, founder of PolArctic, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian joint venture. 

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PolArctic’s platform combines machine learning, oceanographic modelling, and satellite data to generate high-resolution, geographically referenced forecasts of sea-ice conditions. The system uses AI methodologies specifically designed for physical and environmental systems. This approach avoids the use of generative AI and large language models, reducing risks such as hallucinated outputs while improving accuracy in highly dynamic Arctic conditions. 

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A key feature of the platform is the automation of complex Arctic shipping risk calculations, including International Maritime Organization–required risk (RIO) codes, replacing manual processes with real-time, geographically-based intelligence. These tools support a range of users — including shipping operators, resource developers, and Arctic communities — by enabling better route planning, optimized shipping windows, and more effective risk management. 

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“For Inuit, ice isn’t abstract—it’s culture, transportation, and livelihood. That perspective shapes how we live and build: the goal is technology that supports safe decisions, protects ecosystems, and helps Arctic communities participate in economic opportunity—sustainably.’” said Canavera. “Launching PolArctic Canada allows us to expand our work using Canadian data, Canadian partnerships, and a Canadian base, while staying true to the realities of Arctic environments and communities.” 

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As part of the launch, Canavera and her family will be relocating to Halifax, Nova Scotia, establishing the company’s Canadian headquarters and contributing to Canada’s growing Arctic innovation ecosystem. Inuit and originally from Alaska, Canavera is also a U.S. military veteran and technology entrepreneur whose work bridges Indigenous knowledge, advanced science, and operational decision-making in the North. 

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“Leslie’s decision to build this next phase of PolArctic in Canada is a strong signal of the country’s growing role in Artificial Intelligence and Arctic innovation,” said Mike McNair, CEO of AEDC. “She brings deep Arctic credibility, technical excellence, and values that align closely with AEDC’s mission to support sustainable, inclusive economic development across the Arctic.” 

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PolArctic Canada will leverage Canadian data sources, alongside U.S. datasets, to build higher-fidelity forecasting and analytics products. The joint venture operates as a Canadian extension of PolArctic’s existing platform, adapted to reflect Canadian Arctic conditions, data infrastructure, and stakeholder priorities. 

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Beyond commercial applications, PolArctic Canada’s platform supports enhanced situational awareness in the Arctic by providing timely, geographically referenced intelligence on sea-ice conditions. As activity in Arctic waters continues to increase, reliable forecasting and decision-support tools are an important enabler of safe operations, infrastructure readiness, and effective stewardship across Canada’s Arctic regions. 

 

About the Arctic Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) 

The Arctic Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is Canada’s dedicated Arctic infrastructure and logistics services provider. It solves problems for visionary clients committed to getting big things done in the Arctic.  It generates significant economic value for its clients, Indigenous partners, contracting companies, and investors through broad capabilities, world-class quality standards, Indigenous participation, low-cost solutions, and rapid delivery. 

 

About PolArctic 

Originally established in the United States by Inuit technology founder Leslie Canavera, PolArctic Canada will develop advanced Arctic ice-forecasting and analytics platforms that support safer operations, environmental stewardship, and informed decision-making in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. 

 

info@arcticedc.ca