IQALUIT, NUNAVUT – The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, spoke today on behalf of The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, to congratulate the Government of Nunavut on the purchase the research vessel MV Nuliajuk.
“Our government is proud to support the Government of Nunavut and local fisheries by strengthening our shared knowledge of Canada’s North,” said Mr. Van Loan. “Protecting and preserving the Canadian arctic is a key component of our government’s agenda and we look forward to working with Nunavut officials in designing this vessel’s research programming.”
“We look forward to working with officials in designing this vessel’s research programming as we seek to gather much needed information about fish stocks in and around Nunavut,” he added.
The new 64-foot research vessel will allow both the Government of Nunavut and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to conduct inshore fisheries research. The vessel will also serve as a platform allowing other government agencies and partners to conduct marine research.
“The acquisition of this new vessel marks a great opportunity for Arctic research and exploration,” added Minister Aglukkaq. “The MV Nuliajuk will act as a pivotal tool in strengthening the self-sufficiency of Nunavut fisheries.”
Research conducted aboard the vessel will help support future Government of Canada decisions on emerging Arctic fisheries.
"This ship represents long-term research and economic development benefits for Nunavut," said Minister Duncan. "The building and equipping of the MV Nuliajuk is an excellent example of how we can work in partnership to support positive economic development opportunities for Northerners."
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For Broadcast:
The Honourable Peter Van Loan spoke on behalf of the Government of Canada in Iqaluit today, congratulating the Government of Nunavut on commissioning the research vessel MV Nuliajuk. The 64-foot vessel will act as a platform to conduct research into emerging inshore northern fisheries and gather information about fish stocks in and around Nunavut.
For more information:
Rosaleen O’Mahony
Communications Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Central and Arctic Region
(519) 383-1821
