January 31, 2002

CHURCHILL--Community leaders from Northern Manitoba and the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut are meeting here to address issues of common concern and identify new opportunities to work together at the first Northern Round Table following the ministerial delegation to Nunavut in November 2001.

"I want to congratulate community leaders for taking this agreement to a new level of participation and action," said Jean Friesen, minister responsible for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for co-operation and development between Manitoba and Nunavut. "This historic co-operation will further the economic and social development of both Manitobans and citizens of Nunavut."

The historic meeting involves members of a regional round table announced last September to foster closer ties between Manitoba and Nunavut. It is being attended by Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson on behalf of Friesen.

"This is the first regional round table initiated by Manitoba to involve a neighbouring jurisdiction. It is an extension of experience gained in Manitoba’s four regional round tables which have helped to foster greater regional co-operation," Robinson added.

In September 2001, Friesen announced a $20,000 contribution under the Canada/Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement toward establishment of the regional round table.

Participants include representatives from the communities of Churchill, Gillam, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Coral Harbour and Repulse Bay. The Nunavut delegation includes mayors, councillors, community leaders, businesses, educators and government representatives. Manitoba delegates include Churchill Mayor Mike Spence, Gillam Mayor Dennis Soloway and their officials.

Round table discussions enable delegates to share information on their communities, discuss priority issues and opportunities in communities and regions, and examine courses for future action. Delegates are expected to develop a collective strategy and actions in support of the objectives of the Manitoba-Nunavut MOU.

Follow-up workshops involving all regional round tables are planned for Rural Forum 2002 April 25 to 27 in Brandon and for a community in the Kivalliq Region.

Manitoba and the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut have a history of close contact, trade, cultural exchanges, natural resources management, communication and services. Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik signed the memorandum of understanding for co-operation and development in February 2000, involving several key sectors including transportation, health, tourism, regional and community economic development, energy and resource development.

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