VANCOUVER, BRITISH-COLUMBIA — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today signed a new work plan with the Honourable Viktor-Fyodorovich Basargin Minister of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, to implement concrete activities under the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding on the Cooperation of Northern Development and Aboriginal issues.
 
“This international cooperation between Canada and the Russian Federation, demonstrates that as Arctic states we are committed to the well-being of northern populations including the recognition of the unique interests and the special relationship of Aboriginal peoples of the Arctic,” said Minister Strahl.
 
The Memorandum of Understanding builds on past accomplishments and will be implemented jointly by both countries.  It will provide an opportunity to continue the exchange of best practices in the preservation of Aboriginal languages; building capacity for local public administration; sharing tools for Aboriginal policy research and the promotion of public private partnerships, especially in areas affected by resource development in the Arctic.
 
“The successful implementation of our Joint Work Plan within the MOU has demonstrated the effectiveness of this mechanism. I consider without doubt that continuation in this direction is important. Experts from our respective Ministries have developed new proposals for joint implementation during 2010-2011, and in my view because the Draft contains concrete/practical projects, which I am willing to endorse,” said Minister Basargin.  “The Work Plan proposes the implementation of important initiatives in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, Enhancing the educational qualification and awareness of Aboriginal Peoples, the exchange of Russian and Canadian best practices on Aboriginal issues, which in my opinion, is quite an important direction - which also includes the notion of the preservation of Intellectual Property and Traditional knowledge.”
 
As a person who lives in the North, I understand the realities of people in the Arctic,” said the Honourable Minister Aglukkaq. “I am pleased to see that Canada and Russia --both Northern circumpolar countries-- are working towards the same goal of improving the well-being of people in the Arctic."
 
For the purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Participants will encourage and facilitate direct contacts between regional, territorial and local governments, Aboriginal groups and organizations of the Northern regions of both countries as well as the academic and scientific institutions, and the private sector.