Fonds d'initiatives du Plan Nord - Nearly $300,000 in support for eight projects in Nunavik

KUUJJUAQ, QC, Aug. 7, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Eight projects in Nunavik have been chosen through the Fonds d'initiatives du Plan Nord (FIPN) selection process. The economic, social or environmental projects selected represent total investments of more than $1 million.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Plan Nord and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region, Mr. Pierre Arcand, and Minister responsible for Native Affaires, Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, confirmed today in Kuujjuaq that the Société du Plan Nord (SPN) has granted $288,721 to support the eight projects put forward by Nunavik organizations and communities.

The FIPN seeks to support and promote projects that engender economic activity in the territory that the Plan Nord covers, which foster the development of northern communities and target environmental protection and safeguarding biodiversity. The Société du Plan Nord, which manages the FIPN, makes calls for proposals in January, May and September each year.

Highlights:

The following initiatives were selected:

• The Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the communities of Ivujivik and Puvirnituq held a symposium on school success in Puvirnituq. ($25,000)
• The Nunavik Research Centre and Makivik Corporation are conducting a study on the physical condition of Arctic char in Deception Bay. ($50,000)
• The Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance will coordinate three economic missions to encourage business collaboration between northern regions. ($15,750)
• Makivik Corporation is conducting a study on the use of the territory by the communities of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq. ($55,153)
• The Northern village of Salluit will hire a qualified social worker for one year to reduce the risk of suicide among young people. ($34,767)
• Makivik Corporation will conduct two studies on renewable energy in Nunavik. The first concerns the potential production of energy from marine turbines.
  ($41,364) The second study will focus on the use of solar energy. ($45,857)
• The Povungnituk Cooperative Association will conduct a feasibility study prior to establishing a fish farm project. ($20,830)

Quotations:

"The financial contributions announced today will help different Nunavik organizations to respond effectively to the needs of their communities. I am also delighted to see that promoters from the region are demonstrating growing enthusiasm for the services of the Société du Plan Nord. Supporting them financially, but also on the ground, enables us to take another step toward sustainable development on the Plan Nord's territory."

Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Plan Nord and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region

"I'm pleased to see the diversity of these initiatives covering important sectors, including academic success, research, and economic and social development. What they have in common is that they can empower different Northern communities, which is excellent news."

Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs

"The eight projects from Nunavik demonstrate the proactivity of this unique region in Quebec. I have always considered that initiatives that come directly from communities are even more motivating for their members. I am proud to see that the projects selected will help stimulate economic and social activity to foster the growth of Inuit communities."

Luc Blanchette, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region

"Today's announcement confirms our government's commitment to supporting the development of northern Quebec. The projects selected reflect the diversity of concerns of the different communities in Nunavik. I thus encourage them to continue to innovate in this way."

Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks

About the Plan Nord

The goal of the Plan Nord is to develop the mining, forestry, energy, social, cultural and tourism potential of Québec north of the 49^th parallel. It will create jobs and wealth for northern communities and for Québec as a whole, in a way that ensures respect for northern populations and the environment. By harmonizing the economic, social and environmental aspects on which the Plan Nord is based, the Québec government hopes to make it a reference in the area of responsible and sustainable northern development and a beacon project for Québec society. The implementation of the Plan Nord is under the responsibility of the Société du Plan Nord.

Related link:

Société du Plan Nord: plannord.gouv.qc.ca

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles

Véronique Normandin, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, Telephone: [phone]; Mylène Gaudreau, Press Officer, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Telephone: [phone]; Guillaume Lavoie, Communications Officer, Société du Plan Nord, Telephone: [phone], @PlanNord; Gabrielle Fallu, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region, Telephone: [phone]; Frédérique Brais-Chaput, Political Attaché, M.N.A. for Ungava, Jean Boucher, Telephone: [phone]