Government of Canada invests in geoscience research and the mining sector in Nunavut

From: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

News release

Over $3.8 million to support natural resource development research and mining

April 3, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

With the continued growth of the mining industry in Nunavut, and the challenges of a changing climate, geoscience research has never been more important. The information gathered by this research helps identify new mineral resources for economic development and job creation. This research also helps assess areas potentially affected by climate change and what steps can be taken to ease those impacts.

That’s why the Government of Canada is announcing during this week’s Nunavut Mining Symposium an investment of over $3.8 million to the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation and the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office to support geoscience research and economic development in Nunavut.

This funding was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor.  

The investment will involve geological research mapping of 40,000 km2 for natural resources development, permafrost studies in Western Hudson Bay and the Kitikmeot region to determine the territory’s vulnerability to climate change, and studies on earthquake potential and landslide hazards in the Baffin Bay region.

As well, CanNor is providing support for this week’s 2019 Nunavut Mining Symposium. It is a key networking event that brings together mining companies, businesses, different levels of government, Inuit organizations, and regulatory agencies to discuss the latest developments and opportunities in the mining and exploration sector. Funding also includes financial support for the production of a Nunavut mining video to promote employment opportunities in the mining sector to Inuit youth.

Quotes

“Geoscience investment yields important data that enhances the lives of Northern Canadians. The data assists in attracting business activity, which helps create job opportunities for Northerners. The Government of Canada is committed to smart investments that expand scientific knowledge and contribute to a sustainable, diversified, and dynamic northern economy.”

Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor


“Canada’s minerals and metals industry is more than just mines – it is workers and Indigenous peoples that are building the world’s cleaner future. That is why we are supporting geoscience and the exploration for new resources while enabling northern communities to make informed decisions about their economy and community.”

Honourable Amarjeet Sohi
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources

“Nunavut is rich in mineral resources. We support geoscience research projects that will enable mineral exploration and mining companies to discover economic deposits that will be mined in a responsible, sustainable way to benefit Nunavummiut.”

Honourable David Akeeagok
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut

Quick facts

  • CanNor is investing $3,070,480 over two years into Nunavut Geoscience research projects with additional support of $692,000 from Natural Resources Canada. The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation is contributing $286,000, and the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office $365,000. In addition, McGill University, Laurentian University and the Université du Québec à Montréal are contributing a total of $840,125. The total investment in Nunavut Geoscience research projects is $5,254,005.

  • CanNor is contributing $30,000 towards the 2019 Nunavut Mining Symposium, with the Nunavut Mining Symposium Society contributing $209,800, the Government of Nunavut $85,000, and the private sector an additional $105,000. Total investment in the symposium is $429,000.

  • CanNor is investing $32,000 in the development of a mining promotional video with the NWT and NU Chamber of Mines contributing $8,000. Total investment in the video is $40,000.

  • Over the last decade CanNor has invested over $16 million in geoscience projects in Nunavut.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Dani Keenan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-1710

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region
CanNor
867-975-3722
craig.welsh@canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
NRCan.media_relations-media_relations.RNCan@canada.ca

Vanessa Adams
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
343-543-7645
Vanessa.Adams@canada.ca

Matthew Illaszewicz
Manger, Communications
Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut
867-975-7918
MIllaszewicz@gov.nu.ca

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