16 August 2013
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will travel to Canada’s North for the eighth consecutive year, from August 18-23, 2013. During his six-day tour, the Prime Minister will make stops in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Northern Quebec. He will be accompanied by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council, Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, and Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon.
“Our Government is proud to be playing an important part in the tremendous economic and social development transforming Canada’s North,” said Prime Minister Harper. “On my eighth annual tour of the Arctic, I look forward to speaking to Northerners about our resolute commitment to defending our sovereignty, while investing and creating the conditions for economic development, skills training and job creation.”
This year’s tour reflects the priorities set out in Canada’s Northern Strategy. Specifically, it will emphasize the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping Northerners derive maximum benefit from the abundant natural resources in their territories, finding solutions to current and future skilled labour shortages, supporting clean energy initiatives and safeguarding Canadian sovereignty.
Canada’s North is a fundamental part of our heritage and national identity and is vital to our future. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has made a number of significant investments in the region, including support for social housing projects, medical and educational infrastructure, research facilities, and job training.
