Three Nunavik communities get $2M to improve marine safety
Money to be used to purchase boats and boat-related equipment
Three communities in Nunavik will receive money from the federal government to acquire boats and equipment for their participation in local marine safety, including a rescue boat for Kangiqsualujjuaq, similar to this one in Cambridge Bay. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
The federal government plans to spend close to $2 million to upgrade marine response capabilities in five Indigenous communities, including three in Nunavik.
The funding is targeted toward communities that are members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. It will be used to purchase a boats and related equipment to strengthen marine safety response.
The Canadian Coast Guard announced the money Tuesday in a news release.
Aupaluk will get $28,854 to buy a new trailer for its search and rescue vessel. Inukjuak is receiving $107,552 for a new trailer, storage container, concrete flooring and additional equipment, said Tomie White, a spokesperson for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The biggest sum goes to Kangiqsualujjuaq, with $780,699 for a new search and rescue vessel.
Unamen Shipu, Que., and Old Massett Village Council in B.C. will also receive a share of the funding.
The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is a national non-profit organization with more than 4,000 volunteers and approximately 1,000 vessels at their disposal.
Indigenous communities that are part of the auxiliary provide marine search and rescue services, promote marine safety, and conduct coastal safety patrols. All 14 Nunavik communities are members.
The funding announced Tuesday is part of the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Program, which so far has helped with projects in 55 communities across the country.
The program is carried out under the Oceans Protection Plan, which started with a $3.6 billion commitment in 2016 from the federal government.
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