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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS KNOWLEDGE-BUILDING PROJECTS IN THE NORTH

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT (December 29, 2004) - Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, on behalf of the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Northern Development), announced today that the federal Innovation and Knowledge Fund has invested $343,900 this year in 11 projects that promote economic development and innovation in Nunavut.

"These projects are important for Nunavut," says Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "As we build upon Nunavut's traditional economies, develop skills and advance technologies while taking advantage of economic opportunities, the quality of life for Nunavummiut will improve."

Minister Blondin-Andrew agrees. "Projects such as these help make sure Nunavummiut capitalize on economic opportunities while focusing and developing knowledge and skills on building sustainable industries. The Government of Canada remains committed to promoting innovation that supports economic development."

The Innovation and Knowledge Fund has contributed to the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to northern development by providing $4.4 million over four years to projects in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon. These funds are used to attract investments from other partners. Over the past four years, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has invested over $1.2 million in Nunavut.

The fund has supported promising projects. For example, over $20,000 was invested in a test fishery in Cambridge Bay to examine fish populations with the idea of finding new fish sources and new species. Another example is a $25,000 contribution to Nunavut's Sealing Strategy to address strategic concerns and capitalize on opportunities within this industry.

The Innovation and Knowledge Fund depends on partnerships. All projects are partnerships between Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of Nunavut but many also involve partnerships with private industry, Inuit and academic organizations and other federal government departments. The Turbot Exploratory Fishery Project, for example, shows the willingness of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Government of Nunavut, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Nunavut Wildlife Management Board to work together to set and implement sustainable catch limits for a more viable fishery.

In the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada made a commitment to develop the first-ever comprehensive strategy for the North that would foster sustainable economic and human development, protect the northern environment and Canada's sovereignty and security, and promote cooperation within the international circumpolar community. These investments support the sustainable economic development goals of the strategy.

For more information, please contact:

Jen Hayward
INAC Communications
(867) 979-7935
haywardj@inac.gc.ca

Charles Drouin
Communications Officer, Nunavut Region
(867) 979-7948
drouinc@inac.gc.ca

Backgrounder - Innovation and Knowledge Projects - Nunavut 2004-2005

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