Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 21/05) - Two new schools and a heritage centre are among the projects the government of Nunavut want to fund with the $40 million Northern Strategy.

The money will be divided into five parts.

In her opening speech, Commissioner Ann Hanson said $5 million will be invested in economic development, specifically non-decentralized communities.

Environmental stewardship and protection efforts, with an emphasis on initiatives that contribute to the economy, will receive $5 million, too.

A new trades training school is up for $10 million of the funds.

A cultural school and a heritage centre will split the remaining $20 million evenly.

However, locations for these new facilities have yet to be determined.

Deputy minister of Education, Pam Hine, is thrilled with the money.

"That fact that Nunavut at this time does not have a trades building makes it priority," said Hine.

"This is definitely a good thing. This opportunity to have trades training and a skilled work force will benefit Nunavut and Canada, which has a shortage of trades people."

The department is conducting a survey looking at the trades training in Nunavut as a whole, with the building and location as part of the study.

Hine says Rankin Inlet is an obvious location for the building, but nothing can be confirmed until the survey is complete.

"We hope to complete the survey before the end of this fiscal year with the construction design planned for the next fiscal year," said Hine.

A spokesperson with the department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth said the location of either of buildings is yet to be determined.

The minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth promised to speak on the investments this week.

The government hopes to confirm the Northern Strategy decisions during this third sitting of the legislative assembly.