April 26, 2002

BRANDON, Manitoba (April 26, 2002) -Manitoba and Nunavut will work together to connect Manitoba's energy resources and expertise with the Far North as a result of the Northern Energy Strategy Memorandum of Intent (MOI) signed at Rural Forum in Brandon today.

Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen, lead minister for the Manitoba-Nunavut Memorandum of Understanding for Co-operation and Development, and Minister Jack Anawak, on behalf of Minister Ed Picco who is responsible for the Nunavut Power Corporation (NPC), participated in the signing.

The agreement will expedite studies on hydro resources in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut and co-operative efforts in energy planning, policy research and development.

"Manitoba and Nunavut share a common border and have established a close transportation, trading and cultural relationship in the last 25 years," said Friesen.

The purpose of this agreement is to improve co-operation and consultation, and investigate the potential for joint northern energy strategies and planning matters of mutual concern to Manitoba and Nunavut. The initiative will improve the co-ordination of existing and new energy supply opportunities for both jurisdictions, and support and develop renewable energy strategies and technologies.

"The decisions we make today about energy management will have a lasting impact. We take this responsibility seriously and we welcome the opportunity to work more closely with Manitoba to research our best possible energy strategies," said Picco.

Picco met with Friesen and Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson in Iqaluit in November 2001 and agreed to work together on an initiative to supplement joint initiatives stemming from an agreement between Manitoba Hydro and Nunavut Power Corporation.

The premiers of Manitoba and Nunavut signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Co-operation and Development in February 2000 for future joint co-operative arrangements such as this MOI.

The signing was witnessed by the largest delegation from Nunavut in Rural Forum's 10-year history.

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