October 30, 2024 — Gatineau, Quebec — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

In the North and Arctic, traditionally harvested foods from the land and sea provide many health, economic, social, and cultural benefits to Northerners.

These foods, however, can potentially expose people to long-range contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals like mercury, microplastics, and others. Supporting research and monitoring of these contaminants is critical to improving and protecting the health and well-being of residents, animals, and ecosystems in the region.

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced the launch of the annual call for proposals for research and monitoring projects on contaminants originating from other parts of the world. These contaminants are transported through air and sea currents to the North and Arctic.

As part of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern Contaminants Program, beginning in 2025-2026, close to $1 million will be available for projects for a duration of up to three consecutive years. This investment will support new projects related to human health, environmental and community-based monitoring and research, and associated public outreach initiatives.

Community members, Indigenous and territorial organizations, and governments are encouraged to work in partnership with university and federal government scientists to submit a proposal. Applicants have until January 20, 2025, to submit their proposals. Projects selected for funding will be announced in the summer of 2025.