Pond Inlet, Nunavut, April 10, 2013 -- Today, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Regional Minister for Nunavut, along with Pond Inlet Mayor Jaykolassie Killiktee, acknowledged the official opening of the new Sirmilik National Park Operations Centre in Pond Inlet. The official opening served to highlight the decade of progress made by Parks Canada since establishing the park, and was a celebration of Parks Canada’s engagement in Pond Inlet.
“The Sirmilik National Park Operations Centre serves as a shining example of how we can work together for the future of our northern communities,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “With a view of the Sirmilik Mountains, the Centre is a first point of connection for visitors to the national park in addition to providing a base for park operations.”
The Government of Canada takes an active lead in the protection and preservation of Canada’s North, as evidenced by the creation of Sirmilik National Park. National park operations centres play a key role in Northern communities and the Sirmilik operations centre, located in the community of Pond Inlet, provides a focal point for community involvement and cooperation in park operations and provides a strong link for visitors to this special place.
“Pond Inlet has benefitted from the establishment of Sirmilik National Park,” said Pond Inlet Mayor Jaykolassie Killiktee. “In addition to protecting an important part of our land for generations to come, Parks Canada’s offices in Pond Inlet provide employment for the people of our community. I am very happy to celebrate the opening of this wonderful new operations Centre.”
The opening of this centre is a concrete example of the Government of Canada's commitment to the country's North, by promoting economic development and protecting this beautiful part of Canada for future generations. The Operations Centre, built at a cost of $2.78 million by Pond Inlet’s Arctic Cooperatives Ltd., is a significant local investment and brought important employment to the community.
“This new operations centre is a highly anticipated addition to Sirmilik National Park,” said Minister Kent. “It will provide Parks Canada staff with essential infrastructure to support visitor experiences, search and rescue and advancing stewardship and protection activities within Sirmilik National Park.”
Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada invites Canadians, and people from around the world, to experience Canada’s treasured natural and historic places.
For additional information on Sirmilik National Park, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca
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