2018-2019 Call for Proposals for the Northern Contaminants Program
December 4, 2017 OTTAWA, ONTARIO Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the efforts of Northerners and scientists to gain a better understanding of contaminant levels in the traditionally harvested foods that are so important to the diet of northern and Indigenous people.
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, announced the 2018-2019 call for proposals for research projects and related activities on long-range contaminants in Canada’s North. Long-range contaminants are transported to the Arctic through atmospheric and oceanic processes from other parts of the world. They remain in the Arctic environment and build up in the food chain.
These projects will increase understanding and raise awareness of long-range contaminant levels in traditionally harvested foods and their potential impacts on the health of animals and people. Findings will be used by policy-makers, individuals and communities to address the safety of traditional/country foods that are important to the health and well-being of Northerners.
Applicants can submit proposals up until January 10, 2018, and projects selected for funding will be announced in the spring of 2018.
Quotes
“It is vital that people across the North live in a healthy environment with safe food. That’s why we want to support projects that elevate the work of scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders who have a deep understanding of this ecosystem and how pollutants travel through it. This work will also provide the Government with better information to assess the impacts on traditional and country foods that are of great nutritional and cultural importance to people of this region.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Quick Facts
- As in previous years, through the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP), the department will provide over $4 million in total funding in 2018-2019 for 50-60 projects focused on environmental and community based monitoring and research; health research; and capacity, communications and outreach activities.
- Community members and Indigenous and territorial governments are encouraged to work in partnership with university and federal scientists to submit proposals for projects that focus on this important environmental health issue.
- All proposals will be subject to a thorough, multi-stage technical and social/cultural review process conducted in coordination with subject matter experts, and Northern and Indigenous members of five regional committees in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
Associated Links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316
INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
NT5
