Government of Canada : Co-operating to Upgrade Fuel Truck Garages in Nunavut

Improvements to these facilities will provide significant benefits to local communities

January 17, 2014 - Iqaluit, - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for , in association with the Kakivak Association and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, are announcing almost $2 million to modernize and expand fuel truck garage facilities across Nunavut.

This investment will support eight Inuit-owned Community Co-operatives to improve their building sites so they can provide safe storage of diesel and the delivery of diesel to gas stations, airports and homes, ensuring residents stay warm in the winter. Improvements to these fuel truck garage facilities will help to reduce oil spills and ensure worker safety, while providing training opportunities for Inuit. This funding assisted the Co-operatives in obtaining a 10-year fuel distribution contract with the territorial government, helping to secure northern jobs for the long-term.

Along with garage upgrades, the Kugluktuk Eskimo Co-op will be adding a food take-out and dining area, which will be a welcome addition to the community.

Quotes

'Supporting these Co-operatives is more than just physically upgrading their garage facilities. It also means helping local Inuit businesses succeed and give back to their communities through jobs, training opportunities, and services. It is also about making sure residents are kept warm during the winter.'

The Honourable Navdeep Bains,
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

'The co-operatives have a long history of local investment, employment and community economic development. These objectives are in clear alignment with those of 's and their Entrepreneurship & Business Development fund, whose support will further the co-operatives' mission within their communities.'

Duane Wilson,
VP, Stakeholder Relations, Arctic Co-operatives Limited

'Kakivak Association is pleased that we have been able to provide financial support to the Inuit-owned co-operatives that are such an important part of our communities in the Qikiqtani region and across Nunavut. The Service Delivery Partnership we have for the delivery of 's Entrepreneurship and Business Development fund is very successful and a great example of the benefit of collaboration in supporting business and economic development for Inuit.'

Annie Quirke,
Vice-Chair, Kakivak Association Board of Directors

'We hope for continued success with the Program for the long term growth of the Kitikmeot region and Nunavut as a whole, especially for the Inuit beneficiaries who strive for growth and prosperity.'

Stanley Anablak,
President, Kitikmeot Inuit Association

Quick facts

• Eight community Co-operatives will access the Entrepreneurship and Business Development fund totaling $1,943,250, and Arctic Co-operatives will invest $5,196,806 for a total of $7,140,056.
• The recipient community Co-operatives are the: Kugluktuk Eskimo Co-op, Hall Beach Co-op, Igloolik Co-op, Kimmik Co-op in Kimmirut, Mitiq Co-op in Sanikiluaq, Tununiq Sauniq Co-op in Pond Inlet, Taqqut Co-op in Arctic Bay, and Tulugak Co-op in Qikiqtarjuaq.
• To help create and grow Indigenous businesses, has entered into Service Delivery Partnership arrangements with Indigenous organizations, such as the Kakivak Association and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, to promote and deliver the Agency's Entrepreneurship and Business Development fund.

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For more information, the media may contact:

Office of the Honourable Navdeep Singh Bains
343-291-2500

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
CraigWelsh
Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region
867-975-3722

Arctic Co-operatives Limited
DebraJones
Manager, Marketing and Communications
204-697-2243 . 228

Kakivak Association
GlennCousins
Manager of Business Development
867-979-8951

Kitikmeot Inuit Association
PaulEmingak
Executive Director
867-983-2458