Ottawa, Ontario — The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister Responsible for the North, and Minister of Health arrived in Ottawa after a busy week at home in Nunavut.

Over the course of the week, Minister Aglukkaq travelled to Yellowknife, Kugluktuk, and Iqaluit to participate in a range of community events and announcements. 

“I’d like to thank everyone, in each community for the warm Northern hospitality, “said Aglukkaq.  “It was great to be home and speak to Nunavummiut about issues communities are facing and priorities moving forward for the North. I am proud that our government is committed to a Northern Strategy – a vision dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and communities in the Arctic and ensuring the North reaches its full potential,” Minister Aglukkaq noted.

Minister Aglukkaq began her travels in Yellowknife on Friday, where she and the Honourable Sandy Lee, Minister of Health for the Northwest Territories, visited Hospital personnel at the Stanton Territorial Hospital.    

Next, Minister Aglukkaq was happy to make an important announcement, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and alongside the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.  This announcement highlighted a joint investment of more than $35 million in social housing in Northwest Territories to support the construction and renovation of 1,100 units. 

“Our government is taking action to help ensure economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Minister Aglukkaq.  “These funds will enhance the quality of and access to housing throughout the territory.”

While weather conditions prevented Minister Aglukkaq from reaching all of her destinations, she was very happy to have had the opportunity to meet with local hamlet councillors on her next stop, Kugluktuk.  There, Minister Aglukkaq discussed important issues at the table with Mayor Ernie Bernhardt and the councillors, followed by a tour of the local health centre, where she enjoyed informative conversations accompanied by country food.  This visit was followed up with a trip to Kugluktuk Radio Society’s recently renovated centre, at which Minister Aglukkaq was on air informing the community about the investments that the federal government is making in the North and accepting phone calls from her constituents.

Minister Aglukkaq then made her way to Iqaluit to announce the permanent headquarters of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, (CanNor.)

CanNor’s headquarters and regional office will be based in the Inuksugait Plaza Phase 4 building, with the first floor reserved for regional staff and the second floor for Headquarter staff. "I am pleased that CanNor will be leasing from Qikiqtaaluk Properties Corp., which is 100 per cent owned by Inuit beneficiaries of Baffin, and the lease is for 10 years," Minister Aglukkaq told reporters in Iqaluit. She continued, “I am proud the northern agency's headquarters will be based in the territory... As an MP, to make an announcement of this nature supporting northern businesses means a lot," she said. "That's what we work for, and we promote that."

On Minister Aglukkaq’s final day of travels around her home territory, she attended a very special Remembrance Day ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Hall in Iqaluit.  “This year’s ceremony was beautifully organized and as always, very well attended,” Minister Aglukkaq remarked.

“It makes me proud to see so many Nunavummiut coming together to recognize and honour the men and women who selflessly offered their lives to make this country a better place for their children and grandchildren.  It was a special honour to be in the presence of Colin Livingstone at this ceremony, the 95-year-old Second World War veteran who made the long journey from his home in Cape Breton to take part in the ceremony here in Iqaluit. It was a very special day.”

“As I wrap up another great Northern Tour, I am overwhelmingly proud of Nunavummiut, my Territory, and our North,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Reflecting on the week, I am so happy to see how in 11 short years this territory has grown and developed and how such significant investments are being made across the North to help foster this incredible growth.” 

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