Up-Front Multi-Year Funding

The grant supports the construction of a Regional Training Centre in Pond Inlet. This project supports the Government of Canada commitments under the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement with QIA.

The Regional Training Centre will be used to train Inuit for employment in various economic sectors including the conservation economy (i.e., Inuit Stewards), science and research, mining and other areas of employment (i.e., government and Inuit organization sector roles) and also to provide a location for transfer of traditional knowledge and skills.

The objectives of this grant are to allow QIA:

• To access the necessary technical, legal and engineering capacity and expertise required to effectively oversee the planning, design and construction mobilization of the Pond Inlet Regional Training Centre;
• To pay for the completion of feasibility studies and pre-construction readiness activities (e.g., user needs assessment, plans, options, technical drawings, efficiencies and alignment with other infrastructure initiatives in Pond Inlet) and business plan (i.e., including financial sustainability options to cover ongoing maintenance, operation and recapitalization) for the Regional Training Centre;
• To pay, in part, for the construction of a Regional Training Centre. The funding will allow for the construction of a new building and assist with related capital infrastructure such as, but not limited to, equipment and furniture (e.g., desks, chairs, office equipment, electronic equipment (including computer hardware and software), major appliances and other equipment that may be required in order for the Pond Inlet Regional Training Centre to be fully functional and ready to host training activities.

Although construction has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, QIA was able to complete a needs assessment for the training centre, which ensured that programming needs have been accurately captured and that the training centre will meet those needs when built.

A revised contribution agreement with a new end date of 2025 will help to ensure that the project can be completed as planned, in alignment to the new project workplan. Planned occupancy of the centre is scheduled for February 2025.