OTTAWA – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, MP for Nunavut, Regional Minister for the North and Minister of Health issued the following statement, after Bill C-300 was narrowly defeated, in a 140 to 134 vote in the House of Commons last night.

“I am pleased that Bill C-300 was defeated.  It was a flawed Liberal Private Member's bill that would have subjected Canadian mining, oil and gas companies to grievances lodged by foreign interests at the expense of thousands of jobs.  There are major mining investments being considered in all three northern territories which would provide a significant source of much needed employment and economic benefit in the North.  I am disappointed that Yukon Liberal MP Larry Bagnell and Northwest Territories NDP MP Dennis Bevington supported this Bill and did not support growth in the territories they represent.

Northerners who depend on this vital industry for their livelihood will be thankful that Bill C-300 did not pass.  As the Member of Parliament for Nunavut and Minister Responsible for the North, I will continue to work hard to support and promote the economic growth and prosperity of the North."