Minister Strahl Visits Russia to Discuss Northern Economic Development

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St. Petersburg, Russia (June 4th, 2010) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Minister for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, wrapped up his inaugural visit to Russia today following successful meetings with Russian officials to discuss Northern development and Aboriginal issues.

Minister Strahl's trip to Russia follows a recent visit to Canada by Viktor Fyodorovich Basargin, Minister of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, for the signing of a new work plan to implement activities under a 2007 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries to cooperate on Northern Development and Aboriginal issues.

"Canada's participation at these meetings is a tangible example of the true relationship that is being built between Canada and Russia. Now that we have in place the Northern Strategy, the CanNor Agency, and the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, we have the right tools and the potential to further deepen our cooperation to strengthen our northern economies," said Minister Strahl.

The Minister met with Russian and Canadian business leaders to discuss the importance of the Government of Canada's collaborative, strategic approach to economic and social development in the North. In addition to discussing the enhancement of diversified economies with Mr. Basargin, the Minister met with representatives of the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON), Siberia and Far East.

"As a Northerner, I understand how important and effective collaboration and working together can be, to improve the lives of people in the Arctic," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Minister of Health. "I am pleased that both Canada and Russia recognize and encourage the unique interests and special relationship of Aboriginal peoples of the Arctic."

Canada and Russia have a shared northern heritage that enables our countries to focus on the preservation of culture, language and traditional knowledge. Minister Strahl's visit to Russia supports the Northern Strategy objectives of strengthening Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protecting the North's environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development, and improving and devolving northern governance.

Background: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (Canada) and the State Committee on Northern Affairs of the Russian Federation Concerning Cooperation on Aboriginal and Northern Development

 

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