Minister Aglukkaq is joined by Inuit leaders to highlight Nunavut's potential

All-Inuit discussion focuses on Arctic Development

OTTAWA, Feb. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Minister Aglukkaq participated in an all-Inuit armchair discussion on Inuit Perspectives on Canada's Arctic Future at the Economic Club of Canada today. Also participating on the panel were Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna and Terry Audla, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).

The discussion explored regional perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for economic development in the Arctic as well as each participant's vision for the North. The event also featured a sealskin fashion show and silent auction with proceeds being donated to a women's shelter in Nunavut.

Quick Facts  

• The Government of Canada has invested more than $6 million over the past five years to grow the Nunavut fisheries sector to a record value of $86 million in 2013-14, and which now employs 370 seasonal workers.
• The Government of Canada is investing $27 million in the Northern Adult Basic Education Program (NABEP) to improve access to basic skills and improve literacy and numeracy, so working age adults in the North are better positioned to participate in the labour market.
• In recognition of the distinctive needs of Nunavut, Economic Action Plan 2013 provided $100 million over two years to support the construction of housing in Nunavut.
• Canada has a sustainable, ethical, and humane seal harvest, and the Government of Canada has taken several actions to develop and maintain international market access for seal products. We will continue to work with our partners to promote this important industry.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to supporting Nunavummiut and creating jobs and long-term prosperity in Nunavut.  Nunavut has tremendous potential, and I am proud to work alongside our partners to foster strong prosperous communities and an improved quality of life for hard-working Nunavummiut."
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

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.

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Ted Laking, Director of Communications, 819-997-1441; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722