NR-HQ-00-80E

DHALIWAL ANNOUNCES TRANSFER OF THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD ARCTIC SEALIFT OPERATIONS TO THE NUNAVUT GOVERNMENT

August 16, 2000

IQALUIT - The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the Government of Canada is transferring responsibility for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Arctic Sealift Operations to the Government of Nunavut. The sealift involves the assembly, transportation and delivery of mandated cargoes shipped to the Eastern Arctic.

"The sealift is a vital link for Nunavut citizens and businesses and it is fitting that this important infrastructure be under Nunavut’s control. I am pleased to be able to fulfill Nunavut’s request for this transfer," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "The transfer of the sealift administration is seen by all parties as a positive step in strengthening the economic and political self-sufficiency of the Nunavut Territorial Government."

The Canadian Coast Guard started acting as administrator and coordinator of the sealift in 1959. It now delivers approximately 7, 000 tons of cargo annually to 26 communities. The request for transfer of the sealift first came from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and more recently from the Government of Nunavut.

The Canadian Coast Guard sealift mandate will end with the close of the 2000 shipping season at the beginning of November. The sealift will then become the responsibility of the Nunavut Department of Public Works & Services.