PRIME MINISTER HARPER DELIVERS ON COMMITMENT TO THE “NEW NORTH”

March 10, 2008

Yellowknife, NWT – During his fifth official visit to Canada’s North since taking office two years ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today highlighted Canada’s North as one of the Government’s top political and economic priorities. In a luncheon address to the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s four-point Northern Strategy focussed on strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty; protecting the fragile northern environment; promoting economic and social development; and giving Northerners more control over their economic and political destiny.

“We have developed a comprehensive vision for a new North, a Northern Strategy that will turn potential into prosperity for the benefit of all Northerners and all Canadians,” said Prime Minister Harper.

Building on the work of the last two years, Budget 2008 supports the Northern Strategy with new initiatives, including:

• The procurement of a new Polar class icebreaker;
• Carrying out comprehensive mapping of our Arctic and Atlantic seabed in support of Canada’s submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf;
• A commercial harbour to be built in Pangnirtung;
• Funding over the next two taxation years to increase the maximum daily residency deduction by 10 per cent under the Northern Residents Deduction;
• Extension of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit; and
• Support for geological mapping, primarily focussed in Canada’s North.
  

“As Canadians, we see ourselves as a Northern people. The great white North is as much a part of Canada’s identity as the red maple leaf,” said Prime Minister Harper. “We’re committed to helping the region and its residents realize their true potential.”