The Government of Canada Invests in Projects to Strengthen the Prosperity of Yukon

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WHITEHORSE, YUKON (November 5, 2007) – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today made an announcement at the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce of five new projects that will improve economic opportunities in Yukon.

“Our Government understands that to strengthen our sovereignty in the north, we must be committed to improving Northern prosperity and exploring the North’s vast opportunities,” said Minister Strahl. “I am pleased to announce investments today that will support greater economic opportunities, strengthen communities, and benefit the people of Yukon today and for years to come.”Today’s announcement includes:

– An investment of nearly $1.2 million to the Government of Yukon for the Windy-McKinley mapping project, which will enhance mineral exploration in the western Yukon;

– An investment of nearly $1.1 million to enhance safety at the Whitehorse Airport by purchasing an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle, new safety equipment, and upgrading the firehall;

– An investment of nearly $675,000 to the Council of Yukon First Nations for a Yukon-wide log home construction skills project and a two-day First Nation mining symposium;

– An investment of $750,000 to the Yukon Bureau of Statistics to conduct two community surveys that will help to understand and enhance employment and economic development opportunities; and,

– An investment of $192,894 to the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce to improve client service and business development.

“We welcome INAC’s investment in the Yukon economy,” said Premier Dennis Fentie. “These projects stimulate mineral exploration and economic development, and lead to better informed resource management plans and labour force strategies. The mapping and statistical information generated from these projects will be used by businesses and governments to strengthen and diversify Yukon’s economy.”

“Developing a trained workforce to take greater advantage of opportunities in the housing, mining and other sectors of the economy is a top priority of Yukon First Nations,” said Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Andy Carvill. “To achieve this, however, we need assistance from the federal government, so we welcome these two contributions because they will assist us to build capacity and create opportunity at the community level.”

“The Whitehorse Chamber welcomes Canada’s funding through the Strategic Investment in Northern Economic Development initiative,” André Roothman, Chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, said. “It recognizes the challenges our business community faces, and the uniquely northern solutions we propose to meet these challenges.”

This announcement reinforces the commitment in the recent Speech from the Throne to develop an integrated Northern Strategy focused on strengthening Canada’s sovereignty, protecting our environmental heritage, promoting economic and social development, and improving and devolving governance. Today’s announcement supports improving economic opportunities and helping to meet the needs of Northerners.

Backgrounders:
>The Government of Canada announced funding for projects that will improve economic opportunities in Yukon
Transport Canada Backgrounder – Airports Capital Assistance Program and Safety Improvements At Whitehorse International Airport

For further information please contact:

Minister’s Office
Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7949

Peter Lesniak
Communications Officer
Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9202

Marie-Louise Boylan
Communications Officer, INAC
Yukon Regional Office
867-667-3810

Susan McLennan
Transport Canada
Communications, Winnipeg
204-983-6315