Governments of Canada and Nunavut announce funding for nine community infrastructure projects benefitting 19 communities
News Release
Iqaluit, Nunavut, May 3, 2017—Modern public infrastructure is key to supporting the unique needs of northern communities. Investing in green infrastructure protects the environment and supports local economic opportunities, which goes hand in hand with improving family income, job opportunities and quality of life for those living and working in the North.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, is in Nunavut this week to meet with territorial and community leaders to discuss their infrastructure priorities. Today, Minister Sohi joined the Honourable Joe Savikataaq, Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services, to announce over $230 million in joint funding for nine projects across 19 communities to upgrade solid waste management, and water and wastewater systems throughout the territory.
This investment will support important projects such as expanding storage capacity and enhancing water treatment and distribution in Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet and Sanikiluaq. In Kugaaruk and Kimmirut, funding will support the design and construction of upgraded wastewater infrastructure. And in communities like Grise Fiord, Gjoa Haven and Igloolik, existing landfills will be upgraded to improve waste management and recycling services. A full list of the communities and funded projects is available in the associated backgrounder.
The Government of Canada is providing up to $30,948,435 through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) and $141,574,759 through the Small Communities Fund (SCF) towards these projects. The Government of Nunavut will provide the remaining $57,708,587. These projects are in addition to the CWWF projects announced in September 2016, as part of the bilateral agreement signing between Canada and Nunavut, and the SCF projects announced in February 2016 and in February 2017.
Once complete, these projects will improve the quality and reliability of drinking water, and better protect the environment by bringing wastewater treatment systems up to modern health and regulatory standards, and improving the capacity to manage solid waste and recyclables.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to safeguarding public health and the environment while paving the way for economic growth through job creation. That is why I am proud to partner with the Government of Nunavut on investments that result in more modern and efficient water, waste management, and wastewater infrastructure. Together we will create the right conditions for growth, a healthy environment, and high quality of life for all of those living and working in the North.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“This funding is supporting healthy communities in Nunavut and we look forward to working with the Government of Canada in the delivery of the next phase of federal infrastructure funding. Our primary focus is to work with Canada to ensure that investments are made to benefit Nunavummiut.”
The Honourable Joe Savikataaq, Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services
Quick Facts
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The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
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To meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities, Budget 2017 proposes to invest $2 billion to support a broad range of infrastructure projects.
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Budget 2017 proposes federal funding to build and improve infrastructure in Indigenous communities through an investment of $4 billion.
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Contacts
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson@canada.ca
Kris Mullaly
Policy Analyst/Communication Officer
Government of Nunavut
867-975-5342
kmullaly@gov.nu.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
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