Over the passed two days the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, has announced 20 recipients who will be receiving funding as part of Canada’s Arctic research infrastructure plan.  The Canadian government has allocated $85 million dollars to help with the upgrading of major Arctic research centers. 14 research facilities were announced Monday with an additional 6 being named yesterday.

“Our Government is moving quickly to realize the strong and effective commitments we made in our Economic Action Plan. We know that world class Arctic research is vital to achieving our Northern Strategy goals,” said Minister Strahl, “and we are ensuring that our scientists have the facilities they need to conduct it.”

A call for proposals on the project was released on February 20^th.  A $2 million dollar feasibility study is now underway on a new Canadian High Arctic research stations and the goal of the infrastructure fund is to make sure that a solid research infrastructure network is establish to support the new research station.

The recipients that have been chosen to receive some of the allocated money are extremely diverse in nature, insuring that Canada’s Arctic research will continue to grow and advance.

According to the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, “This fund will help to increase the participation of Northerners in Arctic science and technology. This investment will create jobs, engage Northerners’ professional services and use Northern suppliers or firms to carry out contracts.”

The Infrastructure fund is part of the Canadian government’s larger Northern Strategy that is in place to protect the environmental heritage of the Arctic while promoting social and economical growth of that area.  The strategy is also concerned with Canadian Arctic sovereignty.