CanNor-10-060
Iqaluit, (Nunavut), January 12, 2011 – The successful development and launch of a new Media Arts Centre in Iqaluit will be made possible thanks to an investment from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) today announced federal funding of $108,000 to the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) to hire a project management team.
The project management team will oversee all aspects of the construction, fundraising, communications, and training for a new Media Arts Centre in Iqaluit. The project will also equip members of the IBC with the skills and the knowledge to develop the centre and aid in the transition from design and construction to implementation.
"Our Government is proud to support Nunavut's artistic community and the long term growth of the Northern economy," said Minister Duncan, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "A professional project management team will ensure that the Media Arts Centre is completed on time and within budget."
"This investment will create new jobs, strengthen training and employment opportunities, and help improve infrastructure in Nunavut," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. "These important technological upgrades will help ensure that Nunavut culture is promoted and preserved."
"We're delighted at CanNor's generous support for our Media Arts Centre," said Madeleine d'Argencourt, President of IBC. "Their contribution is a significant recognition of the central role of the arts in our culture, our economy, and our lives. We welcome their partnership in building a landmark for Iqaluit, a showpiece for Nunavut and a milestone in our cultural history."
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Community Economic Opportunities Program (CEOP) which provides project-based support to First Nation and Inuit communities that have opportunities for public services in economic development. CEOP forms part of the Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) which is a suite of national programs that are administered by CanNor in the territories to encourage the participation of First Nations and Inuit governments and organizations in the territorial economy.
Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan and Canada's Northern Strategy.
For further information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor
867-975-3735
Inuit Broadcasting Corporation
Debbie Brisebois
Executive Director
613-235-1892 ext. 232
