Ref. #2-3322
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (February 25, 2010) — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services announced today the awarding of a contract worth approximately $19 million for remediation work at the former Colomac mine site.
The remediation work is a joint venture between two aboriginal firms, Tlicho Engineering and Environmental Services Ltd. of Behchoko, Northwest Territories and Aboriginal Engineering Ltd. . of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
“I'm pleased that Tlicho Engineering and Environmental Services Ltd. and Aboriginal Engineering Ltd. have been awarded such a significant project in the Northwest Territories,” said Minister Strahl. “Our government is moving forward on the remediation of contaminated sites in the North to protect the health and safety of Aboriginal peoples and Northerners, while creating local jobs.”
“The remediation of northern contaminated sites is a major priority for my department,” Minister Ambrose said. “I am very pleased with today's announcement, and congratulate both Tlicho Engineering and Environmental Services Ltd. . and Aboriginal Engineering Ltd. on their success. Contracting processes are open and transparent, working for all Canadians, and achieving best value for the taxpayer.”
“Our government's number one priority is the economy - today's announcement is creating economic growth and opportunities in the north,” Minister Strahl said. “The decision to award this contract to Tlicho Engineering and Environmental Services Ltd. and Aboriginal Engineering Ltd. demonstrates our government's support of Northern Aboriginal economic development, as northern businesses are successfully competing for work in the North.”
The two-year contract covers final remediation of the site, including: major demolition activities (primary and secondary crushing facilities, mill complex, maintenance shop and camp); hydrocarbon remediation (restoration of Steeve's Lake shoreline, free product recovery and soil treatment); site restoration (Truck Lake channel construction, stream crossing restoration) and capping of the non-hazardous landfill sites as well as continued provision of site services and maintenance. The contract, which follows a competitive process, will last until April of 2012 when the companies will conduct a full and final demobilization of the site.
Minister's Office
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
Jennifer Moores
Senior Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Northwest Territories Region
(867) 669-2584
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(819) 956-2315
