November 14, 2018 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance traditionally harvested foods to the diet and cultures of northern and Indigenous people, and supports Northerners and scientists working together to better understand contaminant levels in these foods.

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, announced the 2019-2020 call for proposals for research and monitoring projects and related activities that address long-range contaminants and other contaminants of concern in Canada's North.

Through the Northern Contaminants Program, the Government of Canada is supporting projects focused on environmental and community-based monitoring and research; health research; and capacity, communications and outreach activities with over $4 million in funding in 2019-2020.

These projects increase our understanding of long-range contaminant levels in traditionally harvested foods and their potential impacts on the health of animals and people. The projects' 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.

Community members, and Indigenous and territorial governments are encouraged to work in partnership with university and federal scientists to submit proposals for projects. Applicants can submit proposals up until December 18, 2018. Projects selected for funding will be announced in 2019.