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Geomapping the road to riches Harper announces extension of energy and minerals program in Rankin
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, August 28, 2013
RANKIN INLET
The federal government has committed to the completion of geomapping the North in order to promote resource exploration.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper address a crowd at Rankin Inlet. He announced the government's committment to the completion of geomapping the North. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
The announcement was made on Aug. 22 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper at Leo Ussak Elementary School (LUS) in Rankin Inlet.
The renewed support (Phase II) for the geomapping of energy and minerals (GEM) program will see the initiative receive $100 million over the next seven years.
So far, the GEM program has produced more than 700 maps and reports in support of the exploration industry's efforts in the North.
It's estimated modern geological maps and data sets will be developed to completely cover the North by 2020.
Harper told the gathering at LUS that it's very well-known the North is rich in energy and minerals and that about one-quarter of the world's undiscovered oil and natural gas lies in the Arctic.
"All this potential development reminds us that the North is Canada's call to greatness," Harper said, highlighting developments such as the Meliadine gold project 20 km north of Rankin.
"These developments will bring growth, jobs and prosperity to this territory, across the North and, indeed, across the country."
Harper said that last year, just through mining activity, Nunavut experienced greater economic growth than any other province or territory.
He said in 2008, the Government of Canada began using the latest technology to produce a new generation of geological maps for Canada's North (GEM's Phase I).
"This project encourages development by giving prospectors new tools for exploration," he said.
"Northern expertise is essential because, while we expect all Canadians from coast to coast to coast will benefit from the North's coming mining boom, Northern development must mean jobs and prosperity for Northerners, themselves.
"Prosperity here and jobs now, that is essential."
The continuation of GEM funding was announced on the same day of the release of 32 new data sets that
reveal Nunavut's geological wealth.
Harper said some of the maps show where gold, silver, cobalt, diamonds and other things may be found.
"We're also publishing new findings on the energy potential of Hudson Bay to our east, and we're uploading geological data for 11,000 square kilometres of the Duggan Lake area in the west of the Kivalliq region," Harper said.
"But, just having riches in the ground will not, on its own, secure Northern prosperity.
"Only the mining jurisdictions with the most efficient regulatory regimes, the most skilled workforces, and the most complete geoscience information will succeed and thrive," Harper said.
"The extension of the geo-mapping program is one part of ensuring Nunavut, and the entire Canadian North, competes successfully in a very tough international marketplace."
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