Nunavut Communities to Benefit from $242 Million Canada-Nunavut Infrastructure Agreement

Iqaluit, Nunavut, February 8, 2008 — To better address the infrastructure needs and priorities of Nunavut communities, the governments of Canada and Nunavut today announced the signing of a Framework Agreement worth $242.68 million under Building Canada, the Government of Canada’s new long-term infrastructure plan. The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, with the Honourable Paul Okalik, Premier of Nunavut, and the Honourable Levinia Brown, Minister of Community and Government Services for the Government of Nunavut, participated in today’s announcement.“The signing of a Framework Agreement between the Government of Canada and Nunavut will result in significant infrastructure initiatives that will strengthen Nunavut’s economy and communities, and contribute to a cleaner environment,” said Minister Baird. “Building Canada is helping to ensure that Nunavummiut have modern, safe and efficient infrastructure. Our plan will also support the economic and social goals of our Government’s comprehensive Northern Strategy.”

“This funding will greatly assist in providing Nunavut with some of our much needed infrastructure. We look forward to working with our federal partners in the delivery of the Building Canada plan in Nunavut,” said Premier Okalik.

Through combining the Building Canada Fund and $25 million per year in Base Funding (provided to each province and territory), an allocation of $182.68 million will be available through to 2014 to help address core infrastructure priorities at both the territorial and community level. An additional $60 million will flow to Nunavut communities through the extension of the Gas Tax Fund agreement from 2010 to 2014, bringing the total infrastructure funding under the agreement to over $242 million.

The Canada-Nunavut Framework Agreement outlines how the Building Canada plan will operate in the territory. The two governments have agreed that community infrastructure will be one of their priorities for investment under the plan. The two governments will work together to address infrastructure priorities, such as water, wastewater, green energy, regional and community airports, community and intercommunity access roads and regional marine facilities. Through the Agreement, the two governments will also establish a mechanism for reporting to Canadians on the results of these investments.

Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country.

For media inquiries contact :

Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700

Rosemary Kilpatrick
A/Director
Community and Government Services
Government of Nunavut
867-975-5325

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148