Chuck Strahl responds to NN editorial on QEC needs

I would like to respond to the editorial “QEC handout not nearly enough,” published on your website Feb. 10, 2010.

To begin, it regrettably misrepresents the collaborative and proposal-driven nature of many federal government funding mechanisms.

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency has a mandate for advocacy and coordination, and delivers its mandate through collaborative relationships like the one it enjoys with the Qulliq Energy Corp. and the Government of Nunavut. Priorities, needs, and appropriate avenues of funding are determined with federal, territorial, industry, and community partners.

The recent investment in power corporation infrastructure builds upon the relationship the Government of Canada has developed with QEC over the past few years.

Beginning in 2006, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Environment Canada worked with QEC to gauge water flow of the Armshow River to support feasibility research into the construction of a hydroelectric facility for Iqaluit.

INAC also invested in research by QEC on the use of residual heat from power generation to provide a source of heat for community buildings — an approach with proven merit as it is now used by the Qikiqtani General Hospital.

CanNor offers a wide range of programs designed to meet both immediate and long-term economic development needs, including the Strategic Investments in Northern Development and Community Adjustment Fund programs. The provision of long-term ecological benefits is a key criterion of some of these programs, with each proposal considered on its own merits.

Second, the writer questions the accuracy of information provided in a joint Government of Canada – Qulliq Energy Corp. announcement.

Eight new diesel generators, as reported in your newspaper, will reduce greenhouse emissions by an estimated 4,212 metric tons annually and consumption of fossil fuel by an estimated 1.62 million litres annually. These figures were calculated in a study by QEC, and are reflective of the increased efficiency of the generators being installed.

We look forward to many years of cooperation with all of our northern partners and stakeholders, as CanNor works together with Northerners to develop a prosperous economic future for those who live and support their families in the North.

Chuck Strahl
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development,
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency,
and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

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