Minister Aglukkaq Hosts Pre-Budget Consultations in Iqaluit

Jobs and Economic Growth Remain Priorities for the North

IQALUIT, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Leona Aglukkaq today hosted a pre-Budget roundtable discussion in Iqaluit, Nunavut with business and industry leaders from across the Territory. These consultations are aimed at engaging Northerners about Canada's Economic Action Plan 2014 deliberations. The Minister asked participants to provide their input on concrete actions the Government of Canada could take to ensure the nation's economy continues to produce jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.

Quick Facts

• Canada's North holds tremendous economic growth potential, particularly in the area of resource development.
• Mining exploration in Nunavut reached $395.5 million last year—the most for any territory and, relative to GDP, the highest level in Canada.
• The Conference Board of Canada's Territorial Outlook - Winter 2013 notes that, "Real GDP in the territories as a whole is forecast to advance at a rapid pace by 2.8 per cent in 2013 and by 5.4 per cent in 2014. These growth rates easily outpace the Canadian average."
• Each year, the Minister of Finance leads a consultative process to seek input from Canadians, including private sector economists, academics and business representatives, on the federal Budget and how to grow and sustain an economy that helps families and communities thrive.

Quote

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity that will benefit Northerners. The views that Nunavummiut have shared will help us build Economic Action Plan 2014, which will seek to foster opportunities that will lead to growth, prosperity and sustainable development for Northerners."

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

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Associated Links

Department of Finance Introduction to Pre-Budget Online Consultation http://www.fin.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/nr-nc/2013/prebudget-prebudgetaire-eng.asp

Department of Finance Consulting with Canadians http://www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget-prebudgetaire/page-1.aspx?lang=1

SOURCE: Government of Canada