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FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR 2007 CANADA WINTER GAMES HOST SOCIETY TO MARKET CANADA'S NORTH

Whitehorse, Yukon (April 21, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is pleased to announce funding for the 2007 Canada Winter Games National Marketing Campaign under the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development initiative.

“The federal government is supporting the 2007 Canada Winter Games Host Society in its important work to market the North on the national stage and strengthen economic diversification in all three territories,” said Minister Prentice.

The National Marketing Campaign is a high profile, pan-territorial project, endorsed by all three territorial governments. The Canada Winter Games Host Society will receive a total of $3 million beginning in 2006-2007 to implement a marketing campaign that will promote Canada’s North, stimulate tourism and investment, and bring attention to the 2007 Canada Winter Games. Last year, the Host Society received $320,000 of the funding to develop a business plan and a marketing plan in collaboration with the three territorial governments.

“This partnership between the three Northern territories will create strong links across the entire North,” said Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie. “The Games will draw Canada’s attention northward, providing an opportunity to showcase northern skills and cultures.”

“The National Marketing Campaign will bring to the attention of all Canadians the great potential of Nunavut, not only as a tourist destination, but as a developing economy that is attracting investment from across Canada,” said Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik.

“The 2007 Canada Winter Games offers a rare and valuable opportunity for Canadians to discover the beauty and unique character of Canada's North. It also provides a chance for us to promote the Northwest Territories - to tell Canadians what an exciting place this is to live, work and visit,” said Northwest Territories Premier Joe Handley.

“The ability to undertake a major national marketing campaign is a crucial component of the 2007 Canada Winter Games and its impact will create economic and tourism benefits for Canadians across the North far beyond the duration of the Games,” said Piers Macdonald, President of the 2007 Canada Winter Games Host Society.

For more information please contact:

Line Gagnon
Senior Communications Advisor
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – Yukon Region
(867) 667.3315

Piers Macdonald
President
2007 Canada Winter Games Host Society
(867) 393-2007

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