Investments Strengthen Nunavut's Fishing Industry - Three Projects Aim to Diversify Region's Fishery and Create Jobs

CanNor 14-001

IQALUIT, Jan. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Leona Aglukkaq was in Iqaluit today to announce funding for three projects aimed at diversifying Nunavut's fishing industry, creating jobs and enhancing training opportunities in this vital sector of the territory's economy. Together, the three projects represent an investment of over $360,000 in Nunavut's fisheries industry.

CanNor is investing $220,000 to help conduct two studies that will explore the turbot fishery, which could benefit the communities of Grise Fiord and Qikiqtarjuak by creating new jobs. Funding of $85,000 for the renewal of Nunavut's Fisheries Strategy will map the way forward for the sector. Lastly, CanNor is investing $58,000 to enhance a training simulator that will help individuals develop the skills they need to prepare for a career in the fishing sector.

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

Quick Facts

• In 2012-13, the total market value of the actual harvest for Nunavut's turbot, northern shrimp and arctic char was $79 million, with a potential market value of $110 million.
• More than 700 people have been trained by the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC) since 2005.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs and economic growth in the North. In collaboration with our partners, this investment supports Nunavut's fishing industry - one of the key sectors for economic development in the region."

Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"CanNor's support for research, training and renewal of the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy will ensure that Nunavummiut continue to see increasing benefits from the development of this important resource."

Johnny Mike, Minister of Environment, Government of Nunavut

"CanNor funding for the simulator will give our students greater knowledge and exposure to attain the Bridgewatch Rating certificate. This sought-after diploma will give Inuit beneficiaries more access to jobs on Nunavut-owned offshore fishing vessels."

Elizabeth Cayen, Executive Director, Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium

"We are extremely pleased with the fact that the federal government, through CanNor, is supporting our efforts to help develop local fisheries for our communities. This is just the beginning of our efforts to help create fisheries economic development opportunities for communities in Nunavut."

Lootie Toomasie, Chief Executive Officer, Arctic Fishery Alliance

Related products

• Backgrounder - Nunavut Fishing Industry Benefitting From CanNor Investment

Additional Links

• Government of Canada Invests in Inuit-Owned Fisheries
  (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/mr/nr/2012/cannor-12-005nr-eng.asp)
• CanNor Gives Boost to Nunavut Fisheries
  (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/mr/nr/2011/cannor-10-070nr-eng.asp)
• Vessel To Support Nunavut Fishing Industry
  (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/mr/nr/2010/cannor-10-019nr-eng.asp)
• For information on Canada's Northern Strategy (northernstrategy.ca)

Backgrounder

NUNAVUT FISHING INDUSTRY BENEFITS FROM CANNOR INVESTMENT

CanNor 14-001

CanNor is investing over $360,000 in three projects that will support economic development and job training in Nunavut's fisheries sector.

Exploratory Turbot Fishery

CanNor funding: $220,630
Arctic Fishery Alliance (AFA): $101,711
Total: $322,341

CanNor's investment was used to conduct two exploratory turbot fisheries during the 2013 season. The exploratory fisheries focused on the Jones Sound area near Grise Fiord and another near Broughton Island. This research will determine if the turbot population is sufficient to develop a commercial fishery in these areas, which would benefit Inuit in the communities of Grise Fiord and Qikiqtarjuak by creating jobs.

Fisheries Strategy Renewal

CanNor: $85,000
Department of Fisheries and Oceans: $40,000
Government of Nunavut: $40,000
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.: $40,000
Nunavut Wildlife Management Board: $40,000
Total: $245,000

Since the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy was implemented in 2005, the fishing industry has undergone significant changes and growth in value as a result of increased Inuit participation, and improved marketing and sales. However, there are still opportunities in the industry and a revitalized strategy will help to take advantage them. Development of a new strategy will involve consultation with stakeholders from all regions of Nunavut.

Development of Nunavut's Labour Force in the Fishing Sector

CanNor: $58,629
Government of Nunavut: $7,500
Nunavut Fisheries & Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC): $7,348
Total: $73,477

The Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC) purchased a desktop training simulator in 2012 to improve marine training. This tool has been effective in developing the skills needed to participate in the fishery in the North. With CanNor's investment, new software and equipment will be purchased, including extra computer screens and equipment, to provide a 180° virtual view in the simulator. These additions will result in an enhanced training experience, increase the number of virtual vessels available for students to use during training, and add Frobisher Bay to the list of navigational exercises.

This upgrade will support Inuit training and employment opportunities throughout Nunavut's fishing industry and other related marine occupations. It will increase employment retention, and provide incentive for career advancement.

CanNor Programs

Investment in the exploratory fishery and simulator upgrades are made possible through CanNor's Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) suite of programs, which aim to increase the participation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the Canadian economy and support increased economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples in all parts of Canada. AED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor.

Investment in fisheries strategy renewal is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and building capacity across the North. SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor.

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada