Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for the construction and operation of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS), and support for its Science and Technology Program. In addition, the Prime Minister announced the winning bidder for the design of the station. The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s seventh annual Northern Tour, taking place from August 20-24, 2012.
“The North is a fundamental part of Canada’s heritage, future and identity, and we must continue to assert our sovereignty over Canada’s Arctic,” said Prime Minister Harper. “This new station will undertake science and technology (S&T) research that will support the responsible development of Canada’s North, inform environmental stewardship, and enhance the quality of life of Northerners and all Canadians.”
Located in Cambridge Bay, CHARS will be a year-round multi-disciplinary facility focusing on innovative research into environmental and resource development issues. CHARS will promote partnerships and collaboration among the Aboriginal, academic, public and private sectors, both domestically and internationally.
Prime Minister Harper also announced the launch of a new science and technology program that will focus on national priorities identified as part of Canada’s Northern Strategy. The CHARS Science and Technology Program will foster sound social, economic and environmental stewardship of the Arctic through traditional and solutions-driven initiatives. Between 35 and 50 seasonal, part-time and full-time staff will be employed to operate the S&T Program at the station, beginning in 2017.
CHARS is part of the government’s integrated Northern Strategy and reinforces Canada’s leadership in Arctic science, technology and innovation. The station will be a focal point for research, will demonstrate sovereignty over Canadian territory, will help build partnerships across the North, and will strengthen innovation and economic growth in the North.
This document is also available in Inuktitut at http://pm.gc.ca/grfx/docs/20120823_NR_Inuktitut.pdf
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