Statement by Ministers Bennett and Tootoo and Parliamentary Secretary Yvonne Jones Following Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase

OTTAWA, Jan. 31, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs issued the following statement today following the conclusion of the Northern Lights 2016 Business and Cultural Showcase:

"Over the past few days, hundreds of Canadians have had the pleasure of experiencing Northern culture and art, and have learned about the growing economic opportunities that are shaping Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Labrador.

When residents of the Arctic come to speak in the South, it helps to broaden understanding about Canada's North and to grow our Northern networks so we can all work together more effectively for positive change.

It has been exciting and inspiring to see the breadth of stakeholders and interest groups that converged at the conference to talk about areas of mutual interest from arts, culture, and history to economic development, Arctic science and tourism. This reminds us not only of the North's majesty but also of the beauty, ingenuity and dignity of its people who have played a fundamental role in Canada's history, culture, and economic prosperity.

We are encouraged by the spirit of collaboration shared by those we met and spoke with this week and know that their inclusion and engagement in shaping our future Canada will be of benefit to all Canadians."

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537