Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
July 16, 2015

Strengthening the Economy Through Strategic Partnerships

Memorandum of Understanding Strengthens Arctic Ties with Nunavut

The governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate and strengthen collaboration between both jurisdictions and to promote responsible economic development and enable stakeholders to mutually benefit from opportunities emerging in the Arctic. The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Peter Taptuna, Premier of Nunavut, signed the MOU in St. John’s today.

“This new formal alliance with the Government of Nunavut will build upon our long-standing history of collaboration and further cement our province’s position as the desired international location from which to base Arctic-related activities. This MOU will also provide further opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and institutions to establish partnerships and joint ventures with their counterparts in Nunavut. Helping to develop opportunities for local businesses makes Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live, work and raise a family. I commend the Government of Nunavut for their commitment to this partnership, which represents a positive step forward for both our jurisdictions.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

As geographic neighbours, both jurisdictions share a strong sense of culture and a like-minded approach to safe and sustainable development that respects the environment and traditional ways of life. As opportunities continue to emerge in the Arctic, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to forming meaningful alliances with other northern jurisdictions that will help build and strengthen relationships among governments and lead to increased opportunities and joint ventures for local stakeholders.

Establishment of a MOU with Nunavut further supports the strategic advancement of the province’s Arctic Opportunities Initiative. The initiative is aimed at promoting economic diversification by creating a collaborative environment where northern and Aboriginal communities can thrive, while also attracting international business opportunities. The MOU is designed to build upon the history of successful collaboration that already exists between Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador and encourage increased collaboration as both jurisdictions prepare for future development and increased economic activity in the Arctic.

“The people of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut have personal, cultural and social relationships that have led to a long and successful history of partnerships. The signing of this MOU marks both a new beginning and an acknowledgement of the long-standing history of cooperation between our two governments. As we move forward together, I look forward to enhanced collaboration and economic potential.”
- The Honourable Peter Taptuna, Premier of Nunavut

As a part of the Arctic Opportunities Initiative, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador seeks to establish formalized, tripartite (government, industry and academia) alliances. The Provincial Government is focused on three strategic directions under its Arctic Opportunities Initiative: positioning the province as the Path to the Arctic, building capacity, and fostering economic development and business opportunities. Information on the Arctic Opportunities Initiative can be found at: www.thearcticpath.com .

QUICK FACTS:

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Nunavut to strengthen collaboration between the two jurisdictions.
• The Arctic Opportunities Initiative supports the involvement of stakeholders throughout the province in Arctic-related activities.
• The Ocean Technology and Arctic Opportunities Branch of the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development is responsible for the development and implementation of the Provincial Government's Arctic Opportunities Initiative, aimed at creating an environment in which local stakeholders can benefit from emerging opportunities.
• Information on the Arctic Opportunities Initiative can be found by visiting: www.thearcticpath.com .

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca	Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551, 699-2402 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
Catriona Macleod Director of Communications Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs Government of Nunavut 867-975-6049, 867-222-0305 CMacleod@gov.nu.ca	Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570; 6693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2015 07 16                              10:40 a.m.