No. H 003/ 03
For release January 21, 2003
$2.67 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING FOR NUNAVUT
IQALUIT - Nancy Karetak-Lindell, M.P. (Nunavut), on behalf of
Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Manitok Thompson, Nunavut
Minister of Community Government and Transportation, today announced joint
funding of $2.67 million for the construction of new air terminal buildings at
Gjoa Haven airport and Pond Inlet airport.
The projects, which come under the Canada/Nunavut Strategic Highway
Infrastructure Program (SHIP), involve the replacement of the existing
structures in order to accommodate the needs of the travelling public. The new
air terminal buildings will be constructed over a two-year period.
"This federal and territorial investment will go a long way in helping
Nunavut develop its transportation infrastructure," said Ms Karetak-Lindell.
"Continuing the partnership between the Government of Canada and Nunavut is
key to making real improvements to our transportation system."
Canada/Nunavut SHIP funds are being used primarily for capital investments in
air, surface and marine infrastructure. In addition, funding is being allocated
to feasibility studies given the early stage of development of some of Nunavut’s
transportation infrastructure. The funding is part of the national $600 million
SHIP program announced by Mr. Collenette in April 2001.
An allocation formula has been developed to distribute the funds available to
the provinces and territories under SHIP. The formula normally consists of a
minimum of $4 million per jurisdiction plus a share based on population and a
50-50 cost-sharing ratio. However, the cost-sharing ratio for the Nunavut
component has been adjusted to 67 per cent federal and 33 per cent territorial
for transportation infrastructure projects, in recognition of Nunavut’s fiscal
capacity. Feasibility studies will be funded on a 50-50 basis.
"I am pleased that the Government of Canada is providing nearly $1.8 million
in funding, through SHIP, to broaden Nunavut’s transportation
infrastructure base," said Mr. Collenette. "These important projects will
help address Nunavut’s unique transportation needs."
"The construction of new air terminal buildings in Gjoa Haven and Pond
Inlet is part of a continuing effort by the governments of Canada and Nunavut to
improve the safety and comfort of air transportation users," said Mrs. Thompson.
"Both communities have experienced tremendous growth since the
creation of Nunavut and these facilities will help the communities handle the
increased travel."
Funding for this program was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget
and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
A backgrounder with further information on SHIP is attached.
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Contact:
Anthony Polci Director of Communications Office of the Minister,
Ottawa (613) 991-0700 |
Jim Stevens
Nunavut Community Government and Transportation
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
(867) 645-8104
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BACKGROUNDER
STRATEGIC HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM - NUNAVUT
In the February 2000 Budget Speech, the Government of Canada committed to
improve the economy and the quality of life for Canadians by investing up to
$600 million over five years in highway infrastructure across Canada. In April
2001, Transport Minister David Collenette announced the Strategic Highway
Infrastructure Program (SHIP). The program has two components: a $500 million
highway construction component and a $100 million national system integration
component.
Under the program, $500 million, including $15 million in administrative
costs, will be available to address the needs of Canada’s highways until March
2007. The program formally begins in fiscal year 2002-2003. The Government of
Canada is working with the provinces and territories to identify those parts of
the national highway system that - because of growing traffic and increasing
trade - need immediate attention. This will result in a safer and more efficient
highway system for all Canadians.
An allocation formula has been developed to distribute the $485 million
available to the provinces and territories under SHIP. The formula consists of a
minimum of $4 million per jurisdiction plus a share based on population and a
50-50 cost-sharing ratio. The cost-sharing ratio for the Nunavut component of
SHIP has been adjusted to 67 per cent federal and 33 per cent territorial for
transportation infrastructure projects, in recognition of Nunavut’s fiscal
capacity. Feasibility studies will be funded on a 50-50 basis.
The $4.3 million in federal funds provided under SHIP will be used to improve
access to land, sea and air transportation, to provide reasonable access to
other communities and southern Canada, and to foster a safe and secure
transportation system that minimizes the environmental impact.
An environmental assessment that meets the requirements of the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act will be undertaken before a project begins.
The funding for projects is conditional on the results of this environmental
assessment.
SHIP will also provide $100 million nationally to fund initiatives that
better integrate the transportation system. These include the deployment of
Intelligent Transportation Systems across Canada, improvements to border
crossings and better transportation planning. Intelligent Transportation Systems
include applications such as advanced systems for traveller information, traffic
management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response
management and vehicle safety.
January 2003
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