Harper Government Supports Geoscience Research in the North

Projects will Advance Geoscience Knowledge in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories

IQALUIT, Nov. 14, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding for projects in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories that will enhance geological knowledge, support infrastructure and major resource development, the mining sector and cultural industries. The Government of Canada is investing more than $6.7 million in these geoscience research projects. Combined with contributions from partners, this results in a total investment of over $12.4 million in geoscience research which will help to create jobs and prosperity for Northerners.

The Northwest Territories Geoscience Office and the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office will lead the projects in their respective regions. Each project will provide significant data and research which will be available to governments, academics, prospectors and companies. The projects will also enhance awareness of geological potential across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Quick Facts

• Canada's northern territories are rich in precious and base metals, including iron ore, uranium, gold, diamonds, zinc, rare earths as well as natural gas and oil.
• There are currently five active mines in both territories providing approximately 3,900 jobs.
• Since 2009, CanNor has invested over $22 million for geoscience data and research in the North.
• CanNor's Northern Projects Management Office is currently working with over 30 industry clients to advance potential major resource exploration or development projects across the North, which represent over $26 billion in capital investment and more than 12,000 jobs.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in the North. These projects will bring a range of economic benefits and opportunities to Northerners. Reliable information about mineral deposits and energy resources is essential to attract investment for resource development and support the dynamic, economic growth we are seeing across the North."

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"Geological mapping helps generate economic development in the North. This information could aid in responsible resource, business and skills development for Nunavut through expansion of the mineral and energy sector."

George Kuksuk
Nunavut's Minister of Economic Development and Transportation

"This project will provide industry, governments and communities with valuable information about mineral potential and permafrost conditions in the Slave Geological Province. Investing in geoscience research was a key recommendation of the Mineral Development Strategy, released by the Government of the Northwest Territories in 2013. These initiatives provide greater certainty for investors and industry, and will help to promote long-term sustainable mining for decades."

David Ramsay
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories

Associated Links  

CanNor supports geoscience research in the North (November 2010)

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information: Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Jonathan Lefebvre, 819-997-1441; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722; Northwest Territories Geoscience Office, John Ketchum, Director, 867-765-6620; Canada Nunavut Geoscience Office, Holly Steenkamp, Regional Mapping Geoscientist, 867-975-4533; Government of Nunavut, Matthew Illaszewicz, Manager, Communications, 867-975-7818; For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca; For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca