Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal announced the launch of the federal government's annual call for proposals for research and monitoring projects on contaminants originating from other parts of the world on Wednesday.

"Contaminants from long-range, global sources continue to be a concern in the North and Arctic," Vandal is quoted as saying. "Indigenous peoples, northerners, and scientists are working together to better understand the levels of contaminants in foods and to implement co-developed solutions for reducing exposure to these contaminants."

Applicants have until Jan. 20, 2025, to submit their proposals, the release states. Projects that get funding will be announced in the summer of 2025.

Vandal adds in the release that the project will help determine the safety of country foods.

"As part of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Northern Contaminants Program, beginning in 2025-2026, close to $1 million will be available for projects for a duration of up to three consecutive years," he stated.

The release also noted that the new investment will support projects related to health, environmental and community-based monitoring and research, and public outreach initiatives.

In the 2024-2025 project year, 66 projects were selected for funding from the Northern Contaminants Program with an annual budget of more than $5 million, which includes about $1 million for the 2025-2026 call for proposals.