Canada Strengthens Support for Contaminants Research and Monitoring in the North

Press Release

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

November 1, 2018 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Northerners, scientists and other governments in better understanding contaminant levels in traditionally harvested foods. More research means that individuals and communities can make informed decisions in their food use.

Today, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, and Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, announced this year’s recipients of Canada’s annual $4.1 million investment under the Northern Contaminants Program. This funding supports research and monitoring of contaminants in the Canadian Arctic, including support for the involvement of northern Indigenous partners in this important work.

Findings of these projects will be used by policy makers at the local, national and international level, as well as by individuals and communities, to address the safety of traditional/country foods that are important to the health and well-being of Northerners.

Quotes

“Northerners are concerned about their exposure to elevated levels of contaminants in wildlife. Our government understands the social and cultural significance of traditional/country foods. Our continued support for scientific research on contaminants helps Northerners, particularly Indigenous communities, make informed decisions about the foods they harvest and eat.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

Quick facts

• The Northern Contaminants Program supports research and monitoring of contaminants that are transported to the Arctic through atmospheric and oceanic processes from other parts of the world, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals (particularly mercury), and other chemicals of concern for Arctic regions.
• Proposals for funding are subject to a thorough technical and social/cultural review process conducted in coordination with subject matter experts, and Northern and Indigenous members of five regional committees in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
• Projects are carried out through partnerships among federal science-based departments, Indigenous and territorial governments and organizations, and university and community-based researchers.
•  Results will also support Canada’s commitments and actions in support of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of this group of chemicals, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which aims to reduce global emissions and releases of mercury.

Associated links

• Northern Contaminants Program Funded Projects (2018-2019)
• Northern Contaminants Program Project Discovery Portal
• Northern Contaminants Program Call for Proposals for 2018-2019
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
• Minamata Convention on Mercury

Contacts

Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
613-943-7111

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

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