Fueling economic opportunities in Nunavut

News Release

CanNor funds facility upgrades for two locally owned Inuit co-operatives

August 18, 2016 – Whale Cove, NU – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Today, the Honourable Minister Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced $373,000 in funding to modernize the garage facilities of two locally owned Inuit co-operatives in Nunavut.

This investment will support the upgrading and expansion of building sites at the Issatik Co-operative Ltd. in Whale Cove, and Pitsiulak Co-operative Ltd. in Chesterfield Inlet to ensure the safe storage and year-round maintenance of two fuel delivery trucks. These improvements will reduce oil spills and improve worker safety, which will help both co-operatives maintain their eligibility for a 10-year fuel distribution contract with the Government of Nunavut. This contract will secure jobs, provide training opportunities for Iocal Inuit, and support the delivery of diesel to the communities’ power plants and potential mines nearby.

Quotes

"Supporting economic development is more than just investing – it is about adding value to a larger idea that ultimately will benefit a whole community in multiple ways. Our support to these co-operatives is more than just upgrading their garage facilities – it is about helping these local Inuit businesses thrive and give back to their communities through jobs, training opportunities, and services."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains ,
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"The multipurpose Co-ops across the Arctic take pride in providing a range of services to their Member-Owners, including vital fuel delivery services. Funding support by CanNor is invaluable in ensuring compliance with garaging requirements as specified by Fuel Delivery Contracts awarded by the GN."
Jack Ediger,
VP, Member Management Services, Arctic Co-operatives Limited

Quick facts

In Whale Cove, CanNor is providing $200,500, with the Issatik Co-operative Ltd adding $94,300 and Arctic Co-operatives $402,203, for a total investment of $697,003.
In Chesterfield Inlet, CanNor is investing $172,500, with the Pitsiulak Co-operative Ltd adding $43,054 and Arctic Co-operatives $1,892, for a total investment of $217,446.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains
343-291-2500

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region Region
867-975-3722

Arctic Co-operatives Limited
Lilian Choi
Manager, Communications
204-697-2243 Ext. 228

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