Nunavut Benefits from the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund

March 31, 2009

Iqaluit, Nunavut (March 31, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced six more recipients of the $85 million fund to upgrade key Arctic research facilities. All six are in Nunavut.

“Our Government knows that the Arctic research taking place in Canada’s North will advance our Northern Strategy goals and benefit the entire country,” said Minister Strahl. “That is why our Economic Action Plan includes crucial support for a network of facilities in all three territories, as well as key northern provinces.”

“Support for research infrastructure means support for Northern communities,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut. “These investments will improve the quality of life for Northerners for many years to come as scientific, technological, and indigenous knowledge is used to advance both social and economic goals.”

The addition of these six Nunavut facilities builds on yesterday’s announcement in Yellowknife where Minister Strahl released the list of the initial 14 funding recipients.

In all, 20 facilities from across Canada’s North have been selected. The recipients were chosen after a Call for Proposals, issued on February 20, 2009 and subsequent review process.

These investments will ensure that a strong research infrastructure network is in place to support Canada’s new High Arctic research station, for which a $2 million feasibility study is now underway.

Today’s announcement is part of the federal government’s integrated Northern Strategy that focuses on exercising Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, protecting the North’s environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development, and improving and devolving northern governance.

The federal government is working in many areas to advance its Northern Strategy objectives. Recent investments also include:

• $156 million to support Canadian participation in International Polar Year;
• $200 million over two years for the renovation and construction of new housing units in the North;
• $50 million over five years for the creation of a Northern economic development agency;
• $90 million over five years for the renewal of the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program; and
• $37.6 million to support initiatives related to the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project.