IQALUIT, NUNAVUT (October 28, 2010) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today that remediation is complete at four of Nunavut's former contaminated sites. The remediation of these sites represents an investment of $38.2 million in Nunavut's environment and its people.
“The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada's North. We are remediating sites contaminated in the past, and ensuring our environment is protected today and in the future,” said Minister Duncan. “Along with restoring the land, these remediation projects supported Nunavut's growing economy, provided Nunavummiut with employment, and offered important opportunities for skills development.”
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada works closely with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) to manage its contaminated sites program in Nunavut. Sites completed in 2010 include Cape Christian, a former United States Coast Guard long-range navigation (LORAN) station, located approximately 16 kilometres from the community of Clyde River; Roberts Bay and Ida Bay Silver Mine, located approximately 115 kilometres southwest of Cambridge Bay; Clifton Point (PIN-B), a former Distant Early Warning (DEW) line site, located 220 kilometres northwest of Kugluktuk; and Bear Island, a former Mid-Canada Early Warning Line site, located in James Bay near the communities of Chisasibi, Wemindji and Waskaganish, in the province of Quebec.
“Our Government is committed to supporting opportunities for economic growth in all parts of Canada,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. “Contracting for this work is a prime example of our partnering with INAC to perform this ecologically sensitive work throughout the North.”
“The Government of Canada recognizes that the management of contaminated sites plays an important role in protecting the health of Northerners and their communities,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for the North. “We are very pleased to work together with our federal and northern partners to make this possible.”
Inuit employment and training are key components to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's contaminated sites program. Contractors must commit to high levels of Inuit employment. In addition to using Northern contractors whenever possible, the Department also earmarks a percentage of each project budget to deliver specialized training to Inuit employees.
The sites completed in 2010 join Resolution Island (BAF-5), Radio Island, Ekalugad Fjord (FOX-C) and Sarcpa Lake (CAM-F) as successfully remediated sites now under a 25-year long-term monitoring program, aimed at observing environmental conditions and ensuring remediation objectives continue to be met.
Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Denise Antle
Manager, Regional Communications,
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - Nunavut
Regional Office
867-975-4725
Anne Pratt
Manager, Communications,
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
