IQALUIT, Nunavut (March 17, 2005) -- Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament (MP) for Nunavut, and the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Northern Development), on behalf of Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today that the Government of Canada has invested $299,460 in four projects that will help build Nunavut's economic foundation and provide the tools to access economic opportunities in Nunavut. "Nunavummiut are working hard," says MP Karetak-Lindell, "to carve out a strong future for Nunavut's traditional and modern economies, incorporating leading-edge technologies and skills and knowledge development. The Government of Canada is very pleased to support these endeavours and we continue our commitment to supporting sustainable approaches to growth and innovation." "Through the fund for northern economic development, the Government of Canada helps create a better quality of life for Inuit and Northerners," says Minister Blondin-Andrew. "These investments have the potential to yield significant benefits for both the territory's economy and the well-being of individuals." The Nunavut Community Access Program (N-CAP) has received $100,000 for the development of community access sites - or CAP sites - to give residents of Nunavut access to the internet without having to invest in their own computers and connectivity, which can be costly for many Nunavummiut. Residents can use CAP sites for a variety of purposes, including starting, nurturing and expanding small business ventures. The Government of Nunavut's Department of Environment has received $93,860 to develop and diversify the fishing industry in the Kivalliq and South Baffin regions. This multi-partner program will involve biological data collection and fishery management training and analysis to identify new arctic char fishery resources, while maintaining the principles of conservation and sustainability. The project is designed to serve as a model for long-term, industry-wide development of commercial char fisheries throughout Nunavut. The Government of Nunavut's Department of Economic Development and Transportation has received funding for two projects: $65,600 for a Nunavut mineral exploration and mining strategy and $40,000 for a carvingstone geographic information system (GIS) study. The Nunavut mineral exploration and mining strategy proposal is a response to the 2003 Nunavut Economic Development Strategy, which identified the need for sector-specific strategies to guide the development of the Nunavut economy. This project will develop a strategy based on existing policies, strategies and best practices, incorporating broad consultation and discussion with relevant Government of Canada and Government of Nunavut departments, non-governmental organizations, communities and other affected or interested groups or individuals. The carvingstone GIS study will create an accurate and accessible GIS database of carvingstone deposits to address the problems local carvers, artists and galleries are experiencing due to carvingstone shortages. Government geologists can then review locations and provide prospecting guides for local carvers and others. "I am pleased to see projects in Nunavut being funded by the northern economic development fund" says the Honourable David Simailak, Government of Nunavut Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. "Cooperation and dialogue between Indian and Northern Affairs and my department is essential over the life of this program to ensure that Nunavummiut receive maximum long-term benefits from this fund." The 2004 Federal Budget announced $90 million over five years for northern economic development. In order to maintain momentum on current and emerging economic development opportunities, funds were made available in each territory during 2004-2005 while the Government of Canada continued work with key economic players to identify priorities and develop territory-specific investment plans for the longer term. The projects being announced today form part of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's new fund for northern economic development. Work continues to build the longer term framework that will guide investments until 2009. This announcement also honours a commitment in the Speech from the Throne to develop the first-ever comprehensive strategy for the North that would foster sustainable economic and human development, protect the northern environment and Canada's sovereignty and security, and promote cooperation within the international circumpolar community. These investments support the sustainable economic development goals of the strategy. For more information on the development of the Northern Strategy, please go to www.northernstrategy.ca. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Maria O'Hearn Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - Nunavut Tel: 867 979-7954 E-mail: ohearnm@inac.gc.ca Wende Halonen Government of Nunavut Communications Tel: (867) 975-6046 E-mail: whalonen@gov.nu.ca
