Minister of State Lunn Celebrates the Passage of Olympic Torch in Nunavut

The Minister of State will travel to Qausuittuq and then Iqaluit, where he will be joined by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament (Nunavut), to end the Flame's journey through Nunavut.

"The Olympic Torch Relay's cross-Canada journey will be the longest within a single host country in Olympic history. I am extremely proud to be here today with the Olympic Flame in Alert, Canada's northernmost settlement!" said Minister of State Lunn. "What a wonderful opportunity for the region's inhabitants to come together in celebration!"

"The Torch Relay gives us the privilege of sharing the spirit of the Games all across the country, while highlighting our vitality and cultural diversity," added Minister of State Lunn. "I am very pleased to be able to visit Qausuittuq and Iqaluit to share this unforgettable moment with their citizens and to discover this stunningly beautiful part of our country."

"What a joy to see the Olympic Torch Relay bringing the spirit of the Games to Iqaluit, this young and dynamic capital city!" said Minister Aglukkaq. "I invite you one and all to come take part in the celebrations for the eagerly awaited Vancouver 2010 Winter Games!"

For more information on the Government's support for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.

THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

The Government of Canada, a major financial partner of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, is committed to ensuring that the Games are a success and are managed prudently. It is also striving to maximize the investment of Canadians in the Games and in the Olympic Torch Relay.

Through its contribution and involvement in the Olympic Torch Relay, the Government of Canada is giving all Canadians from coast to coast to coast the opportunity to experience the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games by making them "Canada's Games." After making its way across the ocean from Greece to Victoria, British Columbia, the Flame-carried by 12 000 torchbearers-will travel 45 000 kilometres from coast to coast to coast.

The Olympic Torch Relay will last 106 days and bring together the entire country as Canada prepares to welcome the 2010 Winter Games.

Did you know ..?

- The Government of Canada has invested $22.5 million to ensure that more Canadians can ke part in the Olympic Torch Relay all across the country in order to celebrate the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

- The communities of Qausuittuq and Iqaluit received grants from the Government of Canada to enhance their cultural programming so that Canadians in these two regions could take part in an unforgettable ceremony and celebrate Canada's cultural diversity and rich history.

- The Government of Canada made a financial contribution to setting up the project for the official celebration communities' song. The song, written by world-renowned artist Gregory Charles, will be performed by local choirs in order to showcase local artists. This activity is a unique opportunity to rally Canadians across the country around a unique theme and to generate a sense of national pride.

- The Government of Canada will give Canadian Forces Station Alert, as well as the communities of Qausuittuq and Iqaluit, a commemorative plaque to mark the passage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch in these communities. The Olympic Torch Relay route will be the longest domestic torch relay route in Olympic history, a legacy that will immortalize this moment in history for Canadians and citizens of the world for generations to come.

Government of Canada contributions to celebration communities in Nunavut:

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Date of Activity  Name of community  Contribution amount
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November 5, 2009          Kugluktuk              $14,000
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November 9, 2009         Qausuittuq               $8,825
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November 9, 2009            Iqaluit              $20,000
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