INAC AND GNWT ANNOUNCE $2 MILLION INVESTMENT IN GEOSCIENCE IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

2-02735

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (November 15, 2005) - The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Northern Development) Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Honourable Brendan Bell, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories, are pleased to announce a $2 million investment in geoscience activities in the NWT this year under the $90 million dollars for Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development announced in the 2004 Federal Budget.

“Our government is pleased to offer funding that supports geoscience projects and scientific data collection in the NWT,” said Minister Blondin-Andrew. “This will enhance geoscience knowledge throughout the territory and stimulate interest in the North.”

The funds will be used to support a variety of projects in 2005 and early 2006 that will meet the needs of communities, industry, geologists, investors and all residents of the North. Projects, identified in consultation with the NWT’s Geoscience Advisory Committee, are designed to stimulate new exploration and associated economic activities in the North. Projects underway include: an airborne magnetic survey that will fill a gap in publicly available data; a new data management and distribution system that will provide improved web services and access to data; and a bedrock mapping project that will enhance exploration activities. Additional projects to enhance geoscience knowledge in the NWT have also been identified and are being co-ordinated.

“The commitment of this funding underpins the importance of geoscience as the foundation for resource development,” Minister Bell noted. “The information provided by scientific research attracts and focuses exploration - in turn stimulating mineral and oil and gas development - but it all begins with the prospector.”

Geoscience and economic development projects such as these are an integral part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to an evolving strategy for the North. The Government of Canada is committed to working with Northerners to ensure they can capitalize on the exciting opportunities in Canada, North of 60.

For more information please contact:

Carolyn Relf, Chief Geologist, Northwest Territories Geoscience Office
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, NWT Region
Telephone: (867) 669-2635

John Ketchum, Senior Geologist, Northwest Territories Geoscience Office
Government of the Northwest Territories Industry, Tourism and Investment
Telephone: (867) 669-2498

Pierre Collin, Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Northern Development)
Telephone: (819) 994-7626

Backgrounder