Ref. #2-3395

Protecting the health and safety of northern communities and the environment

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (July 28, 2010) - A contract worth approximately $43 million for remediation work at the former Tundra Mine site was awarded today to a joint venture between two Aboriginal firms, Tlicho Environmental Engineering Services Ltd. and Aboriginal Engineering Ltd.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women made the announcement today.

“The Government of Canada is remediating contaminated sites in the North to protect the health and safety of Aboriginal people, Northerners, and the integrity of the environment”, said Minister Strahl. “By assessing and remediating the Tundra Mine site, the Government continues to promote healthy and sustainable communities in the North.”

The multi-year contract covers the second phase of remediation work at the site, which includes treating water in the tailings containment area, treating hydrocarbon-impacted soils, covering tailings and waste rock, and decommissioning dams. Following a competitive process by Public Works and Government Services Canada, the contract was awarded to the joint venture between Tlicho Environmental Engineering Services Ltd. and Aboriginal Engineering Ltd., which submitted the best technical proposal at the lowest overall cost, and included an approach to maximize employment and training opportunities in the region.

“The remediation of northern contaminated sites is a major priority for the Government of Canada,” said Minister Ambrose. “I would like to congratulate Tlicho Environmental Engingeering Services Ltd. and Aboriginal Engineering Ltd. on this success and am pleased with the economic benefits this venture will bring to the region. The Government of Canada is committed to conducting business in a fair, open and transparent manner to ensure that contracting processes are working for all Canadians, achieving best value for taxpayers and supporting opportunities for economic growth in all parts of Canada.”

“Creating economic growth and opportunities in the North is a major priority for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada,” said Minister Strahl. “This investment will stimulate local and regional economies, creating significant benefits for Northerners through employment and contracting for services.”

The contract, which follows a competitive process, is expected to last until 2015 when the companies will conduct a full and final demobilization of the site.

Backgrounder - Tundra Mine

 

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