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Ottawa (November 19, 2007) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, with the Honourable Levinia Brown, Minister of Community and Government Services, Government of Nunavut, today announced a $1.05 million investment for two infrastructure projects in Sanikiluaq and Cape Dorset under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
“A strong infrastructure is vital to the well-being of Nunavut’s residents,” said Minister Strahl. “These two projects in Sanikiluaq and Cape Dorset will save the hamlets money, reduce environmental impacts and improve municipal services – true successes for both communities and for this joint Government of Canada and Government of Nunavut investment. ”
$750,000 will be invested in a retrofit of Sanikiluaq’s municipal garage while Cape Dorset’s community arena project will receive $300,000.
“We all know Nunavut faces profound infrastructure challenges,” said Minister Brown. “These investments reflect a very positive step toward meeting these challenges at the community level.”
Infrastructure Canada’s Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund assists smaller communities across Canada in meeting their infrastructure needs in areas such as water and wastewater treatment, culture, recreation, tourism, and “green” projects that reduce community environmental impacts. In Nunavut, this fund is adminstered by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
Under the initial Canada-Nunavut MRIF Agreement signed in August 2005, the federal and territorial governments each committed $16 million to the fund, with participating.
local governments expected to match this amount. This year, the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut have each provided an additional $3.1 million to the Canada-Nunavut Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs.
Budget 2007 made a historic investment of more than $16 billion over seven years in infrastructure—bringing federal support under a new long-term plan for infrastructure to a total of $33 billion, including the funding provided in Budget 2006. The 2007 Speech from the Throne reiterated the importance of infrastructure that supports a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and more prosperous, safer communities. The Building Canada Plan will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to meet infrastructure needs across Canada.
Backgrounder - Canada-Nunavut Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
For further information please contact:
Minister's Office
Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Shawn Maley
Community and Government Services
Government of Nunavut
867-645-8101
smaley@gov.nu.ca
Maria O'Hearn
Communications Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Nunavut Regional Office
867-975-4725
ohearnm@inac.gc.ca
