News Release

December 1, 2006

Canada's new Government makes Nunavut airport runways safer with $1.2 million investment

Iqaluit, Nunavut - Many of Nunavut’s airport runways will be improved thanks to a federal contribution of close to $1.2 million.

Through the Canada-Nunavut Agreement on the Transfer of Federal Public Transit Funding, the Government of Canada is providing close to $371,000 to the territory. This complements $830,000 in funding already provided to Nunavut from the Public Transit Capital Trust.

These transit funds are meant to enhance and improve the safety and efficiency of mass transit across Canada. In Nunavut that means air travel. As a first priority, the Territory will provide funding for the overlay in Chesterfield Inlet. The work will improve the safety of the runway while greatly reducing dust conditions around the airport and town and reduce costs associated with the use of gravel runways.

“We are pleased to support the Government of Nunavut by investing in local infrastructure needs and by providing stable and predictable funding that helps to improve local air quality and extend the life of the Territory’s primary mode of public transit,” said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “This funding is a clear indication that Canada’s New Government is contributing to enhancing the quality of life of residents of Nunavut by making their communities better places to live.”

“We have enormous potential in Nunavut and assistance in developing our infrastructure will help us meet our goal of building a more self-sustaining and economically vibrant territory,” said the Honourable Levinia Brown, Deputy Leader and Minister of Community and Government Services.

The Government of Canada recognizes that Nunavut has particular needs in infrastructure and public transit. Canada is proud to collaborate with Nunavut, by giving the Territory the flexibility it needs to invest this money in projects that will contribute to the well being of Nunavut communities

The funding announced today complements other infrastructure investments the Government of Canada has made in Nunavut’s communities. The Gas Tax Fund is providing $37.5 million over five years to communities across Nunavut.  Through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, the Government of Canada is providing $20 million for large-scale priority water and wastewater projects, close to $8 million to support the Qiniq broadband network, and $20 million for social housing. The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is also providing another $16 million from the Government of Canada and $16 million from the Government of Nunavut.

Contacts:

Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
Communications Directorate
613-948-1148