Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
September 24, 2015

Strengthening the Economy Through Strategic Partnerships

Participation in Nunavut Conference and Trade Show Supports Successful Partnerships

Representatives from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, participated in the 24th annual Nunavut Conference and Trade show this week in Iqaluit, building on the spirit of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut. Minister Hutchings also had the pleasure of meeting with the Honourable Peter Taptuna, Premier of Nunavut, during the conference.

�Both jurisdictions have a strong and important economic relationship, which includes areas such as sealing, fishing, natural resources and fuel supply. The MOU is a testament to our ongoing commitment as Premiers� of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador to continue collaboration, information sharing and facilitation of partnerships in mutually-identified priority areas. The discussion panel today is another step in moving this commitment forward.�
- The Honourable Peter Taptuna, Premier of the Government of Nunavut

The MOU was signed July 16 by the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Premier Taptuna. The goal of the MOU is 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 MOU will provide further prospects for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and institutions to establish partnerships and joint ventures with their counterparts in Nunavut.

�I was very pleased to participate, along with academic and business leaders from our province, in this week�s event. The MOU between our jurisdictions was born of the shared commitment by both our governments to explore opportunities and promote sustainable development in the Arctic. I had the privilege this week to witness new connections and relationships form in business, health care and education. I am pleased with all that was achieved in the spirit of our new MOU, and the benefits and opportunities it will foster in our province.�
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

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.

�Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nunavut face similar challenges in terms of high costs, infrastructure deficiencies, challenging environmental conditions, transportation and logistics, and ensuring the economic benefits remain in our communities. With the MOU as a guide to cooperation, I believe that both our jurisdictions will prosper.�
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

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 external link.

QUICK FACTS:

  • Provincial Government representatives, including the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, participated in the 24th annual Nunavut Conference and Trades show this week in Iqaluit.
  • The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Nunavut to strengthen collaboration between the two jurisdictions in July 2015.
  • Information on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s Arctic Opportunities Initiative can be found at: www.thearcticpath.com external link.

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca 		Kevin Guest
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
709-729-1983, 730-2320
kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca
Yasmina Pepa
Chief, Public Affairs
Office of Premier Taptuna
Government of Nunavut
867-975-5059
ypepa@gov.nu.ca

2015 09 24                             11:20 a.m.