News Release

September 29 2005

NUNAVUT RECEIVES INAUGURAL $2.25 MILLION UNDER THE NEW DEAL FOR CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

IQALUIT, Nunavut, September 29, 2005 – Delivering on a key commitment under the New Deal for Cities and Communities, the Government of Canada has now transferred $2.25 million to Nunavut, the first instalment under an agreement to share $37.5 million in federal gas tax revenues with Nunavut communities over the next five years.  These funds, representing half of year-one funding, will support environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure.

“This is a promise made and a promise kept under the New Deal for Cities and Communities,” said Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut.  “Over the next five years, Nunavut municipalities will share $37.5 million in federal gas tax funding under the New Deal, helping us reach our goal of creating strong, sustainable, vibrant communities.”

The agreement to share federal gas tax revenue was signed by the Governments of Canada and Nunavut and witnessed by the Nunavut Association of Municipalities on August 3, 2005. 

“We are now well on the way to developing the projects that reflect the needs of individual communities in Nunavut,” said Nunavut Community and Government Services Minister Levinia Brown.  “We are committed to using these funds to improve quality of life today, and in the future.”

“With the delivery of this first instalment, we are on the way to making our communities better places to live and work,” said the President of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, Johnny Ningeongan.  “The partnership among our Association, the Nunavut government and the Government of Canada will help us meet our needs.”

Federal gas tax funding supports environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure that helps address climate change and ensure clean air and water.  Eligible project categories include water, wastewater and solid waste management.  Funding can also help Nunavut communities build capacity for planning more sustainable communities.

The five-year $37.5-million federal gas tax funding agreement is in addition to other investments under the Government of Canada’s New Deal for Cities and Communities such as the Goods and Services Tax rebate to communities across Canada of $7 billion over 10 years; up to $800 million over two years for public transit; and $12 billion in infrastructure funding committed since 1993. 

Under the leadership of the Honourable John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), the New Deal promotes the economic, social, environmental, and cultural sustainability of Canada’s communities.  It is focused on establishing a long-term vision for Canada's communities, building new relationships among all orders of government and with other partners, providing predictable and stable long-term funding, and strengthening the connections among federal programs that benefit cities and communities.

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