2017-2018 Call for Proposals for the Northern Contaminants Program

OTTAWA, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting governments, Northerners and scientists to better understand contaminant levels in traditionally harvested food that are important to the diet of northern and Indigenous people.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs,  announced the opening of the 2017-2018 call for proposals for research projects and related activities on long-range contaminants in Canada's North. These projects will increase understanding and raise awareness of long-range contaminant levels in traditionally harvested foods and their potential impacts on the health of animals and people.

Community members and Indigenous and territorial governments will work in partnership with university and federal scientists to lead the selected projects. Findings will be used by policy-makers, individuals and communities to address the safety and security of traditional/country foods that are important to the health and traditional lifestyles of Northerners.

All proposals will be subject to a thorough, multi-stage technical and social/cultural review process. This process includes subject matter experts, and Northern and Indigenous members of five regional committees in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.

Projects selected for funding will be announced in the spring of 2017.

Quick Facts

• Applicants can submit proposals up until January 10, 2017
• As in previous years, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada will fund between 50-60 projects in 2017-2018 for up to $4.1 million in total research funding, through the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP).
• The NCP engages Indigenous people, Northerners, communities and scientists. 89% of NCP-funded projects in 2015-2016 included Northerners as project leaders and/or project team members.
• The NCP celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2016.  It is the longest-running Arctic research program in Canada.

Quote

"Funding research that expands our body of knowledge on pollutants in the northern ecosystem allows individuals and governments to make informed decisions that are essential to ensuring the health of current and future generations. I look forward to seeing the results of these important research projects that will be designed, developed and implemented by Indigenous people, Northerners, scientists and researchers working together".

Carolyn Bennett,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Associated Links

Northern Contaminants Program 
2017-2018 Call for Proposals for Northern Contaminants Program 
Northern Contaminants Program Researcher and Partner Profiles

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160