CanNor-10-072
Iqaluit, (Nunavut), March 21, 2011 – The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency is supporting mining in the territory through their involvement in the Nunavut Mining Symposium taking place in Iqaluit from April 5-7, 2011.
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) today announced funding of $50,000 for the Symposium Steering Committee to organize and run the Symposium.
“The Nunavut Mining Symposium is a showcase for the territory's mining and exploration industry," said Minister Duncan, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Mineral exploration remains a critical economic activity in Nunavut and brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in investment each year.”
“The Symposium provides industry, government and other stakeholders with the opportunity to meet and network," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Regional Minister for the North and Minister of Health. “By working together, the mining industry continues to grow, which helps to create increased economic prosperity for communities throughout Nunavut.”
"This investment from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency allows our annual event to continue to grow and keep pace with the increased interest and activity in the exploration and mining sector in Nunavut," said Bernie MacIsaac, Chairman of the Nunavut Mining Symposium Society. "These partnerships are critical to the ongoing success of the symposium."
The goal of the Nunavut Mining Symposium is to feature the territory's mining and exploration industry. The Symposium brings together businesses, various levels of government, Inuit organizations, regulatory agencies, mining industry representatives and others to discuss the latest developments, opportunities and challenges facing the sector in Nunavut. Approximately 350 to 400 delegates will attend the Symposium.
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development initiatives within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.
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 (Nunavut Regional Office)
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor
867-975-3735
Nunavut Mining Symposium
Brenda Mercer
2011 Nunavut Mining Symposium Co-coordinator
877-477-2919
info@nunavutminingsymposium.ca
