Northwest Territories, October 10, 2012 – Significant infrastructure investments in three northern communities have improved air transportation across the region.
Most of the year, the Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk airports are the only means by which goods and supplies can reach these remote Arctic communities. Thanks to joint funding from the governments of Canada and Northwest Territories, three new energy-efficient airport terminals have replaced aging facilities, improving transportation infrastructure and providing residents and visitors with a better travel experience.
"These new airport terminals are vital to supporting the increasing growth and prosperity of Canada's Northern communities,"
said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for the North and Member of Parliament for Nunavut."Our Government is proud to have invested in these three important projects that created local jobs and will have a positive economic impact in each region."
Transportation Minister David Ramsay said "We are pleased the Government of Canada partnered with us to improve airport facilities in these northern communities. Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure help strengthen and diversify our economy, and increase economic opportunities throughout the NWT."
The Government of Canada contributed $700,000 towards the construction of the Tuktoyaktuk Airport through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, with the Government of the Northwest Territories contributing the balance of the total project cost of $2.32 million. The Government of Canada contributed $450,000 to both the Sachs Harbour and Paulatuk Airport terminals through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Government of the Northwest Territories contributed the balance of the Sachs Harbour terminal's $1.10 million total project cost and the Paulatuk airport's $1.12 million total project cost.
The Government of Canada has engaged provinces, territories, municipalities and key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to guide the development of a new long-term infrastructure plan that will support job creation, economic growth and prosperity. We have heard that we are on the right track: there is a need for strong, sustained investment and we must continue to work together moving forward. To improve infrastructure across Canada and leverage new investment, our new long-term plan will encourage greater use of public-private partnerships. This will help leverage new investments in infrastructure, while respecting the capacity of Canadian taxpayers.
For additional information about Infrastructure Canada's projects in the Northwest Territories and to stay up-to-date with Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
For information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Megan Holsapple
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2302
Fax: 867-873-0111
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
