Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-080
April 8, 2008
The Three Northern Territories Jointly Release “Northern Connections: A Multi-Modal Transportation Blueprint for the North”
OTTAWA (April 8, 2008) - The Ministers Responsible for Transportation for Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories have jointly released Northern Connections: A Multi-Modal Transportation Blueprint for the North. The transportation blueprint outlines a vision for the development of northern transportation infrastructure to address the northern infrastructure deficit, promote economic development and build sustainable northern communities.
The document was prepared to complement and build upon the northern components included in the national transportation strategy: Looking to the Future: A Plan for Investing in Canada’s Transportation System released by the Council of the Federation in December 2005.
"The northern transportation system of the future must support economic development, connect communities to each other and to the South, and provide enhanced sovereignty and security in Canada's North," Yukon Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang stated.
"Investment in the northern transportation system is required to meet the demands of the North's booming economy and to promote economic diversification opportunities for northern communities. The recently announced federal Building Canada Fund will enable us to continue addressing the north's infrastructure needs," said Transportation Minister Norman Yakeleya of the Northwest Territories.
Minister Patterk Netser of Nunavut added, "The Building Canada Fund will provide secure, long term funding that accounts for the unique needs and priorities of the North, rather than focusing on nation wide criteria. Investment in transportation infrastructure will facilitate a prosperous and sustainable future for northerners."
Northern Connections not only identifies the ways in which the northern territories and their residents would benefit from investment in transportation infrastructure, but also how all Canadians stand to gain from true 'northern connections' that are established, maintained and improved to connect Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Yukon Highways and Public Works officials, Yakelelya and Netser are currently in Ottawa attending the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation meetings.
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| Contact: | ||
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | Earl Blacklock Government of NWT (867) 873-7712 earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca | Matthew Illaszewicz Government of Nunavut (867) 975-7818 millaszewicz@gov.nu.ca |