Iqaluit - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, P.C., Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Regional Minister for the North and Minister of Health is pleased with the time she spent in several communities across Nunavut on her latest northern tour.

Over the course of this past week, Minister Aglukkaq was happy to have the opportunity to travel to Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet and Iqaluit. The Minister would like to thank everyone who took the time to meet with her. “This was a fantastic opportunity to speak with and listen to my constituents,” said Aglukkaq. “It was a busy week of community events, speaking on the radio, meeting with local businesses, spreading the good news about advancements made to the Nutrition North Canada Program, and making some major announcements that I know will benefit Nunavummiut tremendously.”

Arriving in Arviat Monday, Minister Aglukkaq, accompanied by Senator Dennis Patterson, were welcomed by Mayor Bob Leonard and community leaders at a productive hamlet council meeting, followed by a community gathering.  At the community gathering, Minister Aglukkaq presented Elizabeth Copland as Chair of the Nutrition North Advistory Board which will be working to ensure a smooth transition for the new Nutrition North Canada Program, which is coming into full effect October 2012. 

While in Arviat, Minister Aglukkaq also announced an investment of over $2.1 million over the next 5 years to the Ungasiktumut Isumaksaqsuijuuniq Leadership Resiliency Program at John Arnalukjuak High School, funded by the federal Department of Public Safety.                        
“This exciting new program will provide students with the resources they need to keep violence and crime away from their schools and out of their lives,” Aglukkaq stated.  “As a Northerner and a mother, I am proud of this government for the significant investments we are making to tackle the problems facing our youth today.”

Minister Aglukkaq and Senator Patterson continued on to the hamlet of Baker Lake, where they were greeted by Mayor David Aksawnee and councillors at a productive hamlet council meeting Tuesday afternoon. Other topics discussed included Nutrition North Canada, infrastructure investments, and other community priorities. Minister Aglukkaq also talked with community residents on the local radio. Among the many highlights of this trip was the visit to the Elders’ Centre where Minister Aglukkaq and Senator Patterson visitied with local Elders and staff at the facility.   


In Chesterfield Inlet, the Minister and Senator met the mayor and other hamlet councillors at an informative meeting, which focused on the need for improved dock facilities to support Chesterfield Inlet’s fishery and other opportunities, followed by a well-attended public meeting at the community hall.     

The Minister’s Northern Tour concluded with the announcement of a $1.8 million dollar investment to the Government of Nunavut and the Hamlet of Whale Cove to provide support to combat illicit drug use in Nunavut communities.  This investment, through the National Anti-Drug Strategy, will see resources allocated to the communities of Kugluktuk, Rankin Inlet, Clyde River and Whale Cove for local projects to assist in preventing substance abuse among youth.    

Minister Aglukkaq said that in spite of the hectic schedule in Ottawa, spending time listening to her constituents in the North is important and she intends to continue working hard for Nunavummiut.

“I encourage all Nunavummiut to contact me for any questions you may have. “As Member of Parliament for Nunavut it is top priority for me to listen to your concerns and I will continue to do everything I can to seek solutions for my constituents throughout Nunavut.”