Ottawa, Ontario (April 8, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the start of public consultations on a legislative proposal for land use planning and impact assessment processes in Nunavut.

The progress made on this important initiative is the result of hard work and partnership between our Government, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., said Minister Strahl. The legislative proposal is designed to help advance our Northern Strategy objectives, in particular our goal to improve Northern regulatory regimes.

The legislative proposal follows up on the 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement,   which requires implementing legislation that clearly describes the land use planning and impact assessment processes.

The legislative proposal is a clear demonstration that our Government is committed to working with partners to continue to fulfill its obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. The initiative will add clarity to the land use planning and impact assessment processes in Nunavut and this will yield real benefits for Northerners.

"The Government of Nunavut welcomes this proposal as an important step forward for regulatory improvement in Nunavut," said Aboriginal Affairs Minister for the Government of Nunavut, Louis Tapardjuk.

"NTI is very pleased with recent progress in resolving the key design features of the legislative proposal. We look forward to continuing the close consultation within the Nunavut Legislative Working Group to thoroughly review and finalize the proposal," said Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President, Paul Kaludjak.

The Government will now proceed with public consultations on the legislative proposal. Over the next few weeks, officials will seek input from Nunavut communities, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Government of Nunavut, the Nunavut Planning Commission, the Nunavut Impact Review Board, industry and other affected Aboriginal organizations.

Todays announcement contributes to the Governments integrated Northern Strategy that focuses on exercising Canadas Arctic sovereignty, protecting the Norths environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development, and improving and devolving northern governance.

The federal government is working in many areas to advance its Northern Strategy objectives. Recent investments include:

• $156 million to support Canadian participation in International Polar Year;
• $200 million over two years for the renovation and construction of new housing units in the North;
• $50 million over five years for the creation of a northern economic development agency;
• $85 million over two years to maintain and upgrade Arctic research facilities;
• $90 million over five years for the renewal of the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program; and
• $37.6 million to departments and agencies in support of activities related to the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project.

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