Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, will host the initial meeting of the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) in Iqaluit, Nunavut, on September 2 and 3, 2014.

During Canada’s Arctic Council chairmanship (2013-15), the Arctic Council states and Indigenous Permanent Participant organizations have worked together to facilitate the creation of the AEC. The AEC will work to foster sustainable development, including economic growth, environmental protection and social development in the Arctic.

Each Arctic state and Permanent Participant organization will name up to three business representatives to attend the founding meeting. Canada’s representatives are:

• Tom Paddon, President and CEO, Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation;
• Lillian Brewster, Vice President of Aboriginal Business, ATCO Structures & Logistics; and
• Peter Tapatai, President, Peter’s Expediting Ltd.

The creation of the AEC is a priority initiative during Canada’s Arctic Council chairmanship, which is focused on development for the people of the North.

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“The Arctic Economic Council will facilitate business opportunities, trade, investment and growth in the best interests of Northerners. Canada’s representatives have extensive experience working in the North and will help ensure that a diverse range of businesses are involved in making decisions that promote sustainable economic development across the Arctic.”

- Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council