Ottawa, Ontario – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for the North, completed her Nunavut summer tour today after making a number of productive stops across the territory.

The Minister’s tour began early last week in Gjoa Haven. Despite the foggy weather conditions, Minister Aglukkaq later made her way to Rankin Inlet where she joined Mayor John Hickes for a community tour and met with the Hamlet Council.

While in Rankin Inlet, Minister Aglukkaq, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Infrastructure Canada, joined the Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Minister of Community and Government Services and MLA for Rankin Inlet South- Whale Cove, to announce support for two water and wastewater infrastructure initiatives in the community – a joint investment between the governments of Canada and Nunavut. The $10.9 million investment in clean, safe drinking water and wastewater treatment will work to improve the quality of life for residents in and around Rankin Inlet for years to come.

Minister Aglukkaq was delighted to celebrate Nunavut Day in Iqaluit with her constituents. For the first time in Nunavut’s history, government and organizations partnered for one large celebration consisting of music, dancing, games and a community feast. Partners included the governments of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc and Nunavut Tourism. Minister Aglukkaq spent her day enjoying the festivities alongside all participants including Premier Eva Aariak and Okalik Eegeesiak, President of QIA.

In Pangnirtung, Minister Aglukkaq toured the community, visited the new local health centre and met with the Hamlet Council. As well, the Minister and Gordon MacKay, Assistant Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Transportation announced a joint investment on part of the governments of Canada and Nunavut toward an airport runway resurfacing initiative. The $1.2 million investment will work to improve airport safety and convenience, while creating long-term benefits for Pangnirtung in the way of job opportunity and improved travel links to the community.

Due to poor weather conditions, the Minister had to postpone her visit to Kimmirut but looks forward to future opportunities to greet her constituents in this community.

Minister Aglukkaq wrapped up her tour in Iqaluit with an announcement on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. Thanks to this CanNor investment, youth from all three territories will benefit from science, engineering and technology skills workshops this summer. The camps will be delivered by Actua, an organization which provides kids programs designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in the sciences.

“Traveling through my home territory is something I always look forward to,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Greeting my constituents and hearing their concerns allows me to better serve Nunavummiut as their Member of Parliament.  I was very happy to announce a number of funding initiatives along the way that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Nunavut. The tour was an overall success.”

If you have questions about the information in this release or any other matters, please visit Minister Aglukkaq’s website at www.leonaaglukkaq.ca or contact her office at 613-992-2848.