OTTAWA  - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for the North, is pleased with the economic stimulus package tabled today in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill.

“This budget is the best one I’ve seen for Nunavut,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “It commits more money for housing, jobs and new infrastructure. All of this will help to improve the quality of life of Northerners.”

Nunavut will continue to receive historically high and growing federal transfers in 2009-10 that will total $1.1 billion. This is an increase of $125 million from last year. This long term growing support helps ensure that Nunavut has the resources it needs to provide essential public services.

“This budget comes after extensive consultations, said Minister Aglukkaq. “The Prime Minister, and other federal ministers, traveled from coast to coast to coast to hear from hundreds of organizations and thousands of Canadians. I personally met with all of the territorial health ministers and northern premiers, and I succeeded in making my case to the minister of Finance. I am pleased that the economic stimulus package reflects what I heard from the North.”

The Federal Budget strengthens support for economic activity in the North with $50 million over five years to establish a new regional economic development agency for the North. Another $90 million will also be invested over five years to renew strategic investments in the northern economic development program. The budget also commits $100 million for social housing in Nunavut.

In addition, Canada’s government will improve Arctic research facilities allocated on a competitive basis. It will also accelerate the construction of the Pangnirtung Harbour in Nunavut. Our Government’s Building Canada Fund provides targeted support to small communities that have unique infrastructure needs.

The Conservative Government did not start this economic crisis. Nevertheless, it’s taking steps to protect the economy. This economic stimulus is meant to help families with tax cuts and new jobs to ensure all Canadians can all get through these tough economic times.