Whitehorse, Yukon (September 5, 2008) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians announced funding today to develop an innova ation centre on cold climate research and technology.
"In the long-term this centre will help to diversify the Yukon economy and contribute to the Territory's economic self-reliance, while building Canada's northern knowledge base and cap acity in the North," said Minister Strahl. "When fully implemented this centre will focus on northern solutions to northern challenges and bring international recognition for cold climate technology, development and innovation."
Through the Strategic Investment and Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, the Government of Yukon is receiving $200,000 to plan the development of the Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Cluster and Centre. The centre will develop su stainable technologies and related solutions for cold climate regions. This is the third year the Government of Yukon has received funding for this project. With this amount, the total funding for this project through SINED is $600,000.
The project is oriented to applied research with strong commercial prospects. A number of business and education partners are committed to the project, and costs are shared with the Government of Yukon.
"The Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Cent re is a critical, fundamental component of the Climate Change Research Centre of Excellence," Yukon Government Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. "The centre will play a key role in developing partnerships between the scientific c ommunity, the private sector, and government."
The current phase of the project is focussed on the development of the centre and includes working with potential partners, developing governance structures and early research assistance.
This announcement reinforces the Canadian government's commitment 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 Northern governance.
For further information please contact:
Region
Line Gagnon
Senior Communications Advisor
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – Yukon Region
(867) 667-3315
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
Samantha Patterson
Communications Manager
Department of Economic Development
Government of Yukon
(867) 667-5387
ngan_trinh@gov.nt.ca
