OTTAWA - The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and
Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, on behalf of the
Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development,
announced today the start of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association's aeromagnetic
survey of Nunavut's South Baffin region. The Government of Canada, through
Indian and Northern Affairs
Canada (INAC), is investing $1 million to support the aeromagnetic
survey, which builds upon a previous $1.02 million invested to support NRCan's
predictive mapping project.
"Canada's North is a vast area of unique cultural and ecological significance
that also holds great economic potential," said Minister Efford. "Coupling
NRCan's predictive mapping project with this aeromagnetic survey will stimulate
research and exploration in new areas of the region and benefit communities
throughout Nunavut."
"Aeromagnetic mapping is a necessary part of the basic geoscientific
infrastructure required by industry, academia, governments and the public. By
supporting this, INAC and NRCan are demonstrating the
Government of Canada's commitment to furthering geoscience infrastructure in
Nunavut," said Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "Partnerships between federal departments
and regional Inuit associations will continue to support this infrastructure and
attract much-needed investment in the territory."
Thomasie Alikatuktuk, President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, said he
is pleased to see support for this initiative. "This is an excellent example of
the Government of Canada and Inuit working together," he said. "It is
encouraging to know that the results of this survey will attract private-sector
interest to the South Baffin region to the benefit of both Inuit and the Crown.
The commitment made by Minister Scott and Minister Efford is an investment in
Nunavut's future."
NRCan will combine the
aeromagnetic data of Nunavut's South Baffin region with other available
geoscience data, including satellite imagery, to create a predictive map that
will be used to guide ground-based bedrock mapping. The initiative will assist
Inuit in identifying carving- stone resources, aid exploration companies in
their search for minerals, reduce field and mapping costs, allow public access
to mapping and geological information, and increase industry investment in
Nunavut on both Crown and Inuit-owned land.
The funding for the survey is part of the $90 million for Northern Economic
Development that was announced in Budget 2004. The survey will help advance the
Government of Canada's commitment to the sustainable development of our natural
resources. The Government is committed to building on the strength of our
country and our people, with all their diversity, knowledge and determination.
The natural resources sectors and allied industries are a vital part of Canada's
economy and society.
This initiative is consistent with the goal of establishing strong
foundations for sustainable economic development, one of the seven key goals of
the proposed Northern Strategy Framework released by the Prime Minister and
Territorial First Ministers on December 14, 2004. For more information on the
Northern Strategy, please visit http://www.northernstrategy.ca/.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada announced the start of the Qikiqtani Inuit
Association's aeromagnetic survey of Nunavut's South Baffin region today. The
survey will further Canada's geoscience infrastructure in the North, helping
attract private-sector investment to the region. The Government is investing $1
million to support the survey.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Tom Ormsby
Media Relations
Director of Communications
Natural Resources Canada
Office of the Minister
Ottawa
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-4447
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
Maria O'Hearn
Campbell Morrison
INAC Communications
Press Secretary
(867) 979-7954
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs
ohearnm@inac.gc.ca
and Northern Development
Gatineau
(819) 997-0002
