Mr. Chair, not only will CHARS benefit the scientific community in Canada, and indeed internationally, it will support the local economy and generate service contracts and employment in that region.
It is estimated that the construction phase alone will generate up to 150 jobs across the north. Of the 15 construction subcontracts tendered to date, over $18 million have been awarded to Inuit-owned or Nunavut Tunnqavik Inc. registered firms, and once CHARS is operational, the research, capacity building, and outreach activities will provide northerners with skills and experience to better participate in the labour force, whether it is in mining, energy, the management of wildlife and natural resources, or health and life sciences. CHARS will also develop highly qualified personnel and leadership in the north and across Canada.