Virginia Mearns was appointed Arctic Ambassador by
Prime Minister Mark Carney and joined Global Affairs
Canada’s diplomatic corps effective September 15,
2025. As part of her mandate, Ambassador Mearns
also serves as Canada’s Senior Arctic Official at the
Arctic Council.
Prior to her appointment, she worked as the Senior
Director of Inuit Relations for the Qikiqtani Inuit
Association, one of the three regional Inuit
organizations in Nunavut.

Ms. Mearns previously held several senior positions in the Government of Nunavut,
including Principal Secretary to Premier Joe Savikataaq and Deputy Minister of Executive
and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Mearns spent over a decade with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., where
she held several senior leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer. In this role,
she worked closely with Inuit leadership to advance and uphold Inuit rights and to
strengthen the accessibility and delivery of programs and services for Inuit across Nunavut.
In 2025, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional
contributions to Nunavut.

Ms. Mearns lives in Iqaluit, where she enjoys spending time on the land with her family.