Harper Government Supports Geoscience Research in Yukon

Projects will Advance Geoscience Knowledge throughout territory

WHITEHORSE, Nov. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Yukon MP Ryan Leef, on behalf of Minister Aglukkaq, announced funding today for geoscience projects in Yukon that will enhance geological knowledge and support infrastructure and major resource development. The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.9 million in geoscience research in Yukon. Combined with contributions from partners, there will be a total investment of $2.9 million in geoscience research, which will help to create jobs and prosperity for Yukoners.

Led by the Yukon Geological Survey, each research 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 the North.

Quick Facts

• There are currently eight active mines in the territories, providing about 4,000 jobs across the territories.
• Since 2009, CanNor has invested over $24 million for geoscience data and research in the three territories.
• 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.
• CanNor contributed $55,000 to the operation of the 2014 Yukon Geoscience Forum and has contributed similar amounts to previous geoscience forums.

Quotes

"Our Government's investments in geoscience research are supporting the development of reliable information about mineral and energy deposits that companies depend on when prospecting new development projects or expanding their existing operations. To ensure the long-term economic success of Canada's North, we will continue to invest in projects that support economic growth and job creation for Northerners."  

Ryan Leef, MP

"CanNor's investment in geoscience for Yukon is helping us upgrade our geoscience information base. This reduces the risk for companies and individuals exploring for resources in the territory, and it helps Yukon protect our investments in public infrastructure by improving our understanding of geologic hazards around communities."

Scott Kent
Minister for the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources
Government of Yukon

Related Products

Yukon Geoscience Backgrounder

Associated Links  

Harper Government Supports Geoscience Research in the North (November 13, 2014)

CanNor supports geoscience research in the North (November 2010)

Backgrounder

Geoscience Projects Support Economic Development in Yukon

CanNor's investment of $1.9 million over two years will contribute to improved geoscience information in Yukon and will foster growth in the territory's resource development sector.

The projects will be managed by the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS).  With contributions from other partners, this investment of nearly $2.7 million in Yukon geoscience projects will grow the amount of publically available information on Yukon's geologic resources.

Yukon Geoscience Investment

CanNor funding: $1.9 million
Yukon Government funding: $226,000
Other (Universities, Colleges, Government departments (including In-Kind): $570,000
Total: $2,696,000.00

1. Geophysics Projects
   New regional geophysical data will be collected to support resource exploration in areas with poor bedrock exposure. This data will also enhance the value of existing datasets by generating new geologic models and interpretations that can be followed up by Yukon prospectors and exploration companies.
2. Geochemical Surveys
   YGS has been systematically upgrading regional geochemical data from stream sediments, to ensure greater precision and accuracy, and to include more elements. With this new funding, YGS will complete the upgrade of the territory's dataset, which has been a valuable tool for mineral exploration.
3. Surficial and Glacial Studies
   Studies will be undertaken to increase knowledge of Yukon's aggregate resources which support highway maintenance and new community infrastructure. Ice flow histories and glacial till compositions across the territory will also be studied and will aid prospecting and archeological studies.
4. Data Mining and Targeted Studies
   YSG has been working to make better use of existing historical mining information, including creating web-enabled data. This project will focus on archived placer files, ensuring the data is made publicly available. In addition, targeted geoscience research will be undertaken aimed at reducing mineral exploration risk, including understanding the distribution of gold in the region southeast of Dawson City.

CanNor Programs

Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED)

Investment in this project is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity-building across the North. SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor.

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, Christina Gray, Communications Advisor, 867-766-8435, 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.; Yukon Geological Survey, Carolyn Relf, Director, 867-667-8892; Government of Yukon, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, Carrie Meyer, Communications Analyst, 867-667-5809; For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca; For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca