Iqaluit, Nunavut--Feb. 8, 2010 - Residents of Nunavut will benefit from major energy infrastructure upgrades as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. These upgrades will create jobs, provide more reliable power service for Nunavut residents, and provide long-term environmental benefits.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). She was joined by Peter Mackey, President of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC).

CanNor will provide more than $5.8 million over two years through its Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) to help replace aging fuel generators in Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Chesterfield Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Resolute Bay and Whale Cove. The new generators will be more reliable, fuel-efficient and low-emission. They will also be equipped for connection to heat recovery systems.

"These upgrades will provide more reliable power service to residents of Nunavut and help lower the cost of energy for businesses and homes across the territory," said Minister Aglukkaq. "The installation of new generators in eight Nunavut communities will create a number of employment opportunities as well."

"By lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the amount of fossil fuel used, this project will have positive, long-term environmental benefits," said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor of Metis and Non-Status Indians. "This is another step towards reducing our impact on the natural environment, which is a high priority for many Northerners."

"The generous contribution from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Government of Canada, allows QEC to address capacity issues that have not been included in our capital plans because of financial restraints. QEC will be able to purchase new, more fuel-efficient diesel generators for communities that are due for capacity upgrades," said Peter Mackey.

This joint investment between the federal government and the territorial crown corporation totals almost $14 million.

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the CAF is a $1-billion national program that provides economic stimulus in communities impacted by the global recession. The fund will provide $32.8 million to the three territories between 2009 and 2011.

The CAF is one of a suite of economic development programs that fall under the mandate of CanNor in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy.

For copies of CanNor news releases, visit: http://www.north.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca and for more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit www.northernstrategy.ca/index-eng.asp

For more information, please contact

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
819-997-0002

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
(Nunavut Regional Office)
Karen MacKenzie
Communications Advisor
867-975-4537

Qulliq Energy Corporation
Meghan McRae
Communications Officer
867-979-7534
867-222-1861
Mmcrae[at]npc.nu.ca