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OTTAWA, ONTARIO (January 30, 2008) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced key investments for economic development in Nunavut.
“We are pleased to support the work of the territorial government to strengthen Nunavut’s economy,” said Minister Strahl. “These investments will act as a foundation for community planning and skills development and will help Nunavummiut take advantage of the growing exploration and mining sector in the territory — creating real opportunities for economic growth in Nunavut’s communities.”
The $2.75 million investments include $1.98 million for the Government of Nunavut’s Community Survey Project. This two-year project involves surveying parcels of land in communities across the territory that will be affected by mineral development in the near future. These surveyed parcels will then be ready for residential or commercial development. In the long-term, the surveyed land will help communities meet local infrastructure needs.
“Increased mineral exploration and development within Nunavut has seen many community governments focusing their efforts on meeting the increased demand for land development” said Levinia Brown, Nunavut’s Minister of Community and Government Services. “This funding will greatly assist those communities to meet their development needs.”
A second investment of $780,000 has been made in the Government of Nunavut’s Building Nunavut’s Labour Market project. This project will bring together regional Inuit Associations, hamlets, mining companies and the Government of Nunavut to develop and deliver employment and training programs in the territory. The goal is to make employers in the business sector aware of the skilled people already available for work in the territory and identify areas where more training is required.
"The Department of Education is committed to developing programs and services which meet the needs of Nunavummiut and reflect our expanding economic potential," said Ed Picco, Nunavut's Minister of Education. "This funding will help move forward projects like the Nunavut Community Skills Inventory System, which uses essential skills to match employers and potential employees in the territory."
These projects were funded under Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Strategic Investments in Northern Development initiative. Today’s announcement is designed to support economic development, strengthen northern economies and provide economic opportunities for Nunavummiut, their businesses and their communities.
This investment also reinforces the commitment in the recent Speech from the Throne to advance an integrated Northern Strategy focused on strengthening Canada's sovereignty, protecting our environmental heritage, promoting economic and social development, and improving and devolving governance.
Backgrounder - Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development
For further information please contact:
Minister's Office
Ted Yeoman
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Darren Flynn
Director of Community Development
Community and Government Services
Government of Nunavut
(867) 645-1806
Catriona Macleod
Communications Officer
Department of Education
Government of Nunavut
(867) 975-5624
