The NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines is hailing $1.5-million in relief measures for Nunavut's minerals sector.

The federal government has extended the time limit to pay rent on mineral leases by up to six months for mineral leases under the regulations that become due between March 13 and Oct. 29. This measure only applies to mineral leases on Crown lands in Nunavut under the Nunavut Mining Regulations.

The extension allows mineral lease holders to avoid default for unpaid rent due to the pandemic.

In addition, the Government of Canada has also amended the Nunavut Mining Regulations to waive, for one year, the payment of annual rent on mineral leases due between March 13-March 12, 2021.

As a stipulation, mining companies must make a request in writing to the department. Also, any rent paid before the amendment takes effect is waived in the following year.

SA国际影视传媒淧erhaps the most important part of the ministerSA国际影视传媒檚 announcement is the message sent by the federal government recognizing that the minerals industry is essential to the economic well-being of the North and is a valued contributor to NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 private sector economy,SA国际影视传媒� said Ken Armstrong, president of the Chamber of Mines.

The move was made through the Covid-19 Economic Response Plan, which is intended to protect jobs during the global pandemic.

Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal said he had discussions with various mine owners and the Chamber of Mines prior to putting these measures in place.

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Vandal added that additional funding help for Nunavut's mining and exploration industry is not out of the question.

SA国际影视传媒淲e are continuing our talks,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲e are not out of this pandemic yet, unfortunately, but we hope that the end is in site. We're going to continue to talk to the industry and talk to the leadership of Nunavut, both (the territorial) government and the Inuit leadership.SA国际影视传媒�