Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s support for mining was appreciated by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc’s President Cathy Towtongie. The Prime Minister announced that $ 230,000 dollars would be spent to establish an office to advance the mineral exploration in the Arctic region.
He made the statement at Meadowbank gold mine near Baker Lake which is the only functioning mine in Nunavut. It is operated by the Agninco-Eagle Mines Limited and has more than 1,100 employees. One fourth of them come from the Inuit communities in the area.
Prime Minister Harper said that Canada's North was full of economic potential and innovators continue to unlock development possibilities that bring with them real economic benefits and long-term jobs for local residents. He was on the second day of his annual week long northern tour. He is scheduled to travel later to Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Haines Junction before returning to Ottawa on Friday.
Cathy Towtongie said that mining is, and will continue to be, a critical part of the Nunavut economy. Federal investment in the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines will help ensure Nunavummiut are heard on issues which concern us, such as ensuring there is adequate funding of environmental reviews for mining projects.
She was also happy with the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals Program which Prime Minister Harper was supporting with a $ 100 million through the Natural Resources Canada in 2008 that helps map energy and minerals in the region.