PM launches construction of the new Canadian High Arctic Research Station
Press Release –
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. The ceremony marked another important step toward the Government’s goal of improving the quality of life of Northerners, to better understand the North, and to exercise sovereignty over Canadian territory. This event was part of the Prime Minister’s ninth annual Northern Tour, taking place from August 21 to 26, 2014. He was joined by Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, and Peter Taptuna, Premier of Nunavut.
CHARS will be a world-class, multidisciplinary facility that will anchor a year-round research presence in Canada’s Arctic to serve Canada and the world to advance cutting-edge Arctic science and technology issues.
CHARS scientists will undertake, support, and promote science and technology research focused on four priority areas: resource development; exercising sovereignty; environmental stewardship and climate change; and strong and healthy communities. Through targeted programs and partnerships among the Aboriginal, academic, public and private sectors, it will provide Northerners with unique opportunities to develop the skills and experience required to better participate in various other sectors of the labour force, from mining and energy, to natural resource and wildlife management, and health and life sciences.
Launched today, the construction phase will generate up to 150 jobs across the North and in various other specialized sectors throughout Canada. Once operational, CHARS will remain an important part of the regional economy, providing ongoing opportunities for employment and service contracts.
Quick Facts
- A key component of Canada’s Northern Strategy, CHARS is scheduled to open its doors on July 1, 2017.
- On August 23, 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced support for the construction, equipment, and fit-up of CHARS and for the CHARS Science and Technology Program. The Prime Minister also announced that additional funds per year will be set aside, as of 2018-19, for the ongoing program and operations of the station.
- Scientific work is already underway at the station location in CambridgeBay. An interim office has been set up and a resident chief scientist, Dr. Martin Raillard, has been appointed to facilitate operational management and to interface with the community. The first phase of work has begun with efforts focused on gathering information and establishing partnerships in the community, including with NunavutArcticCollege.
- Research undertaken at CHARS will allow us to better understand and protect the northern environment, contribute to the development and diversification of northern economies, and help improve the quality of lives of Northerners.
- Designed and built by Canadian companies, CHARS reflects consultations with Northerners, leading edge practices in science and research facilities design, sustainable development practices, and northern construction.
Quote
“Our Government is committed to gaining a deeper understanding of Canada’s North with a view to improving the well-being of Northerners. Once completed, the new Canadian High Arctic Research Station will harness science and technology to support the responsible development of the North, inform environmental stewardship, and ensure that Northern communities are prosperous, vibrant and secure. Today’s groundbreaking is a major milestone towards the completion of the Station.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Related Products
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station
- This document is also available in Inuktitut at http://pm.gc.ca
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