OTTAWA, Dec. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today issued the following statement on the passage of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act:

"The passage of this Act is yet another example of our Government's ongoing commitment to promote the Canadian Arctic as a vital part of our national identity as outlined in our 2007 Northern Strategy.

"The Act establishes the governance structure for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) – a new, year-round, world-class science and technology research facility located in the Canadian Arctic.

"It enables us to move forward and complete the merger with the Canadian Polar Commission and ensure the successful transition of the Board of Directors and the retention and attraction of staff for this new facility in order to ensure it is operational by 2017.

"The establishment of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station demonstrates our Government's commitment to promoting Canadian sovereignty and stewardship of Canada's Arctic lands, waters and resources while supporting the local economy.

"Once implemented, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act will also strengthen the voice of Northerners in Arctic science and technology at home and around the world and will strengthen Canada's role as a global leader in cutting-edge Arctic science and technology.

For more information see:
CHARS: Before and After (hyperlink)
CHARS Construction 
CHARS Science and Technology 
Canadian Polar Commission 
CHARS on Facebook 
CHARS on Twitter 
CHARS Photo Set on Flickr

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada