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CANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $6 MILLION INVESTMENT IN GEOSCIENCE PROJECTS IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Ottawa, Ontario (November 20, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is pleased to announce a $6 million investment in geoscience activities in the Northwest Territories over the next three years, under the Targeted Investment Program.

"The $6 million announced today will support a variety of projects, including bedrock mapping, geophysical surveys, thematic studies and data management and distribution," said Minister Prentice. "Enhanced knowledge in these areas will help identify potential economic opportunities for the territory."

"Economic development in our region rests heavily on the shoulders of innovative and resourceful men and women who apply science to the search for natural resources," says Northwest Territories Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Brendan Bell. "Detailed geoscience information facilitates informed decision-making on everything from mineral and oil and gas exploration, to environmental assessments and community land use planning."

Geoscience has historically stimulated private ventures and supports sustainable economic growth and diversity. Geoscience is also used in planning physical infrastructure - identifying suitable locations for roads and bridges, power transmission and communications lines. This information is used by Aboriginal, municipal and territorial governments for regional and community land use planning and aids in the identification of areas for parks and tourism.

The Targeted Investment Program is one of two main programs under the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development initiative (SINED), which focuses on strengthening the economic foundations of all three territories. Funding allocations under the Targeted Investment Program are guided by multi-year investment plans tailored to the needs of each territory.

In addition to enhancing the knowledge base of the Northwest Territories' geological resources, other strategic investment areas identified under the Targeted Investment Program include developing the Northwest Territories' tourism industry, providing access to capital for small business, transportation and energy infrastructure, and enhancing local capacity to seize economic opportunities.

For further information please contact:

Media Relations (819) 953-1160.

Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002

Deb Bain
Communications Officer
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, NWT Region
867-669-2579

Drew Williams
Communications Manager
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-920-8696

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