Federal funding totalling slightly more than $18.6 million will see KugluktukSA国际影视传媒檚 power plant turn hybrid, seven other Nunavut communities with improved power plants, and a ninth communitySA国际影视传媒檚 sewage lagoon rehabilitated.

SA国际影视传媒淩ural and Northern Canada are key drivers of our economic prosperity, but we know that certain barriers exist that make it hard for communities to reach their full potential,SA国际影视传媒� said Minister of Rural Economic Development Bernadette Jordan May 21.

Jordan made the announcement at the Iqaluit power plant together with Deputy Premier and Minister of Economic Development and Transportation David Akeeagok.

SA国际影视传媒淚nvesting in infrastructure increases the quality of life of residents and offers employment to people working in construction. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 good for our economy and itSA国际影视传媒檚 good for Nunavut,SA国际影视传媒� said Jordan.

The community of Kugluktuk, which has been working on including solar energy to its grid for several years, will see a renewable solar energy and storage system built. This first hybrid solar/diesel power plant under Qulliq management is intended to demonstrate the viability and performance of hybrid technology in the Arctic. The federal contribution is $2,958,200, with Qulliq contributing $3,380,800.

Seven diesel power generators in Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Whale Cove will be replaced, with the intention of improving energy efficiency and reliability, as well as increasing production capacity. The total federal contribution is $10,618,500, with the Qulliq Energy Corporation contributing $4,239,500.

Finally, KugaarukSA国际影视传媒檚 sewage lagoon will be rehabilitated, with $5,055,000 from the feds and $1,685,000 from the Government of Nunavut.

Akeeagok said it was an exciting day for infrastructure in the territory, as well as for employment.

SA国际影视传媒淭hese will fill critical gaps and will help make Nunavut cleaner and safer to work and live. The Government of Nunavut looks forward to working with our federal partners to implement these important projects that will certainly contribute to the overall well-being of Nunavummiut,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Qulliq president Bruno Pereira, who was also present for the announcement, noted replacing generators is a continual process in Nunavut.

Jordan said her trip to Iqaluit is also to learn firsthand which priorities to focus on to enrich lives and encourage community development.

SA国际影视传媒淲e will find ways to meet the unique needs of the North,SA国际影视传媒� she said.