Minister LeBlanc issues statement celebrating the successful completion of the Bullmoose-Ruth Remediation Project

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (September 18, 2018) – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, issued the following statement:

“Today, the Government of Canada congratulates Indigenous communities in the Akaitcho Region, the project team, and all others who helped successfully conclude the Bullmoose-Ruth Remediation Project. Together, we are moving forward on the remediation of contaminated sites in the North to protect the environment and the health and safety of Indigenous people and Northerners.

The Government of Canada engaged local Indigenous communities and land users throughout the project and invested approximately $22.5 million, which provided 78 jobs to Indigenous people and work skills training for Northerners. Northern Indigenous-owned companies made up 64 percent of the project’s suppliers.

The Bullmoose-Ruth Remediation Project demonstrated how working together with partners can produce a more efficient and effective remediation. Thanks to active engagement and the use of innovative approaches to project management and design, the project was completed a full year ahead of time. This eliminated the need to construct a winter road this year, limiting the impact on traditional areas and reducing costs for Canadians.

Mining equipment and heritage items salvaged from the project sites were donated to several community members and organizations, including the Yellowknife Historical Society. In addition, the Government of Canada conducted school outreach throughout the project to introduce students to remediation concepts and career opportunities both in the North and across Canada.

Canada will continue to work with local Indigenous communities and Northerners in developing a long-term monitoring plan for the sites.”