Canada's new Government invests over $2 million in tourism and
community access projects in Nunavut

IQALUIT, Dec. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and
Non-Status Indians announced today the Government of Canada's investment of
$2.189 million for tourism and community Internet access projects in Nunavut.
"Staying connected is a common theme with this investment - both within
Nunavut through the community access projects and with the rest of the world
through tourism funding," said Minister Prentice. "In particular, the tourism
industry is a pillar in Nunavut's economy, and these projects will give local
tourism operators the tools needed to compete in the global tourism market."
"The Government of Nunavut recognizes the tourism industry as one of the
most important sectors for the development of our economy. This is reflected
in the annual financial support we provide the industry association, Nunavut
Tourism, and the programs and services that keep tourism businesses operating
in Nunavut," said Olayuk Akesuk, Minister of Economic Development &
Transportation. "I am very pleased to have Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
as a partner in this endeavour."
"The provision of these funds is a huge boost to the tourism industry
within Nunavut," said Paul Lewis, CEO of Nunavut Tourism. "In order for our
industry to truly flourish, we need to develop products locally and promote
them internationally. This new funding will allow us to do both."
Nunavut Tourism will receive $1.11 million over three years (2006-2009)
to expand domestic and international tourism in the territory. Projects
include a Nunavut tourism advertising campaign, new marketing publications,
and targeted participation at trade and consumer shows. The territorial
government will also receive $249,405 to complete the second phase of a
visitor exit survey gathering valuable baseline data from tourists after they
have visited Nunavut.
In addition, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will contribute $655,000
to the territorial government over the three years to further develop
community Internet access sites. The Nunavut Community Access Program (N-CAP)
will use the funds to establish two new CAP sites annually, determine the need
for new and upgraded equipment, improve training opportunities, and test
various delivery methods of distance education. The CAP sites will also host a
pilot project to launch Nunavut's first locally-developed bilingual
(Inuktitut, English) distance learning course.
"Now that broadband is widespread across Nunavut, this funding couldn't
have come at a better time," said Darlene Thompson, Secretary/Treasurer of the
Nunavut Community Access Program (N-CAP). "It is our goal to have a CAP site
in every community in Nunavut; thus allowing all Nunavummiut the resources to
train and apply for jobs, start or expand businesses, and generally stay
connected both to other communities and to the world."
These projects are all funded under Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's
Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development initiative. Indian and
Northern Affairs Canada works with the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut
Economic Forum to identify investments in priority areas to help generate
important economic opportunities for Northerners, and their businesses and
communities.


For further information: Maria O'Hearn, Communications, Indian and
Northern Affairs Canada - Nunavut Regional Office, (867) 975-4725,
ohearnm@...; Eva Michael, Manager Communications, Department of
Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut, (867)
975-7808, emichael@..., edt@...; Brian Webb, Marketing Director,
Nunavut Tourism, (867) 979-6551, www.NunavutTourism.com; Darlene A. Thompson,
Community Access Program Administrator, Nunavut Community Access Program,
(867) 899-7263, dthompson@...; This release is also available on the
Internet at http://www.inac.gc.ca.