CanNor-13-003
Whitehorse, Yukon (January 22, 2013) – Today, Yukon Member of Parliament Ryan Leef, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced federal investments for six projects in Yukon to help build stronger northern communities.
"Our Government is proud to contribute to projects that create sustainable, healthy and prosperous northern communities," said Minister Aglukkaq. "In collaboration with our partners, these investments will improve the quality of our community facilities and create jobs for Northerners."
"The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the quality of life in communities across the country," said Yukon MP Ryan Leef. "These infrastructure improvements will allow Yukon communities to take advantage of cultural and recreational activities for years to come."
Federal funding of over $1.8 million is being provided through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). The projects include recreation facility upgrades for the Kluane First Nation and Kwanlin Dün First Nation; curling rink renovations in Haines Junction; renovation and expansion of Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation's Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre in Dawson City; a back-up heating system for the Town of Watson Lake; and an emergency generator for the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse. In the case of the latter two projects, improvements will enhance the safety and operational efficiency of both facilities in addition to allowing them to be used as evacuation shelters in case of emergencies.
"The City of Whitehorse is grateful for the support given by the Government of Canada in this very important initiative," said Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis. "Through a variety of funding opportunities over the past several years, the City of Whitehorse has been able to make significant improvements to our infrastructure."
"Our cultural centre has been a major focal point in our community for over fifteen years, and we are ready to refresh our facility and expand the cultural offerings and activities that take place within," said Eddie Taylor, Chief of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation. "The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in are pleased with the support we've received from the Government of Canada for our efforts."
Investment in this project is made possible through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), a new, two-year national program to rehabilitate and improve existing community infrastructure across Canada. The CIIF will help to achieve the Government of Canada's priorities to promote long-term growth and prosperity in Canada's economy, create jobs; and improve the quality of life of communities.
CanNor is delivering CIIF in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
613-957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Erin Macpherson
Communications Manager
867-667-3849
