GN reacts to the 2017 federal budget

Iqaluit, Nunavut (March 22, 2017) – Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau has tabled the Government of Canada’s 2017 budget plan “Building a Strong Middle Class.”

“Nunavut faces unique challenges, especially related to housing and energy,” said Finance Minister Keith Peterson. “We have encouraged the federal government to invest in these areas for some time. This budget is a positive next step, and we now look forward to working out the details. As always, we will make our needs understood and advocate for critical funding for Nunavut.”

In particular, the federal budget proposes:

• $240 million over 10 years to the Government of Nunavut (GN) to support housing, starting in 2018-19. This will mean a slow and steady pace of longer term investments towards continued northern housing.
• $400 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19, to support an Arctic Energy Fund to address sustainable and renewable energy issues for communities North of 60. The funding will be administered through bilateral agreements with Canada.
• $54 million over four years to the GN starting this fiscal year, to extend the Territorial Health Investment Fund (THIF). This funding will help improve access to health services by offsetting some of the high medical travel costs.
• $2 billion nationally over 11 years, to support national trade corridors, as well as investments to resolve critical transportation needs in Canada’s North. The GN will work with Canada to determine how this funding may be applied to projects like the Gray’s Bay Road Project and/or a transportation corridor in the Kivalliq.

Budget 2017 contains other initiatives intended to encourage innovation, address climate change and improve productivity nationally, including investments in infrastructure in rural and northern parts of Canada.

“This budget will help us move forward and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities. It recognizes the importance of Inuit, First Nations and Métis. We look forward to working with Canada on investments that continue to address the needs of Nunavummiut,” said Minister Peterson.

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Media Contact:

Yasmina Pepa
Chief, Public Affairs,
Office of Premier Taptuna
Office: 867-975-5059
Mobile: 867-222-0961
ypepa@gov.nu.ca

NT5