Caribou and muskox studies to assess viability of commercial harvests

Iqaluit Nunavut, (August 11, 2005) – The sustainability and long-term commercial viability of Nunavut’s caribou and muskox harvests will be the focus of two projects approved under the Agricultural Policy Framework Initiative (APFI) agreement between Canada and Nunavut. Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell, and Nunavut Minister of Economic Development and Transportation Peter Kilabuk are pleased to announce funds totaling $166,200 for these projects.

One project is a socio-economic study on the long-term commercial viability of the caribou and muskox harvests in Nunavut to be managed by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.

The other project is an aerial population survey of the caribou herd on Southampton Island to be conducted by the Department of Environment. Under the Herd Management Initiative, the information gathered from this survey will help to ensure that the current levels of commercial harvesting of caribou in Coral Harbour are sustainable.

"These projects will provide renewed interest and investment opportunities for the agri-food industry in Nunavut," said Minister Mitchell. "Through the collaboration of governments and industry these projects will help ensure the sustainability and growth of the sector.”

“The Government of Nunavut is committed to providing technical and financial support to ensure continued progress in the development of the Nunavut commercial harvesting industry,” said Minister Kilabuk. “Our partnership with the federal government will help our Department to meet the goals of Pinasuaqtavut: to help develop the Nunavut economy and its private sector.”

The Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) is a long-term action plan for Canadian agriculture. The APF offers programs designed to provide the agriculture and agri-food industry with the tools, services and options to strengthen business, increase prosperity and meet the demands of consumers. Assistance is available to Nunavut harvesters and producers to enhance food safety, environmental stewardship, strengthen business management skills and increase the technical knowledge base of the industry.

The Nunavut agri-food industry is comprised of caribou and muskox commercial harvesting operations, and the processing of the meat. The newly developed Canada/Nunavut APF Program Guide, outlining guidelines for submitting project proposals, will be available through Government of Nunavut regional Economic Development and Transportation offices.

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For more information, contact:

Charles Hunter
Senior Policy Analyst
Dept. of Economic Development & Transportation
Iqaluit, NU
(867) 975-7806

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(613) 759-7972
1-866-345-7972

Elizabeth Whiting
Office of Minister Mitchell
Ottawa
(613) 759-1059

Backgrounder

In August 2004, the Government of Nunavut signed on to the Agriculture Policy Framework (APF), an agreement between the Government of Canada, the provinces and the territories to promote the development and enhancement of the agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada. In October 2004, Canada and Nunavut signed the Canada-Nunavut Implementation Agreement, which sets out federal and territorial program commitments under the APF and, in June 2005, the federal and territorial governments took the final step by signing a collateral Agricultural Policy Framework Initiative (APFI) agreement in order to formalize the details of how APF funding will be spent in Nunavut.

The APFI will enhance the opportunities of the agriculture and agri-food industry in Nunavut by providing assistance in four areas:

Food Safety and Quality: Designed to improve the sector's ability to identify and respond to food safety and quality issues, improve the industry's ability to meet or exceed market requirements, increase consumer confidence and create valued-added opportunities.

Environment: Designed to enhance environmental stewardship of water, soil, air and biodiversity resources, including the caribou and muskox herds, through broadening the general knowledge base as it applies to Nunavut production.

Renewal: Designed to provide harvesters with the skills, knowledge and tools to help them succeed in harvesting; access to advice on increasing profitability through new business opportunities and value-added activities; and opportunities to help them improve family incomes and/or make informed choices about sources of income.

Science and Innovation: Designed to provide scientific and technical support aimed at developing innovative approaches to the diversification of the agri-food industry.

The Agreement provides for yearly contributions to the agri-food industry of Nunavut totaling $1.5 million over five years on a 60 per cent Federal and 40 per cent Nunavut basis. The agreement is effective until March 31, 2008.

For more information, please contact:

Eva Michael
Manager of Communications
Dept. of Economic Development & Transportation
Iqaluit, NU
(867) 975-7808

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