OTTAWA, ONTARIO (May 7, 2013) – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement after his appearance before the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, on Bill C-47, Northern Jobs and Growth Act:
Canada's North is home to tremendous natural resources representing unprecedented economic opportunities not just for Northerners, but for all Canadians. The Northern Jobs and Growth Act fulfills obligations flowing from land claim agreements and will ensure a competitive northern regulatory process that will provide timely, efficient, and effective project reviews, while also strengthening environmental protection and respecting Aboriginal consultation obligations.
I would like to thank the Senators and committee witnesses for their contributions to this landmark piece of legislation and I look forward to continuing our work together on creating jobs and growth in the North. I also encourage the leaders of the opposition to show their support for Northerners by ensuring they do what they can to ensure that this legislation passes swiftly into law.
The Bill's improvements to the regulatory regime in Nunavut will enshrine our government's commitment to a one project, one review
approach for project proposals, improving clarity and predictability around the land use planning and environmental assessment processes in Nunavut. This will contribute to investment, jobs and economic growth for generations of Northerners.
The Northern Jobs and Growth Act is an important step in the Government of Canada&'s plan to create jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity responsibly by streamlining the review process for resource projects in Canada's three Territories.
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
