Government of Canada Awards Contract for Giant Mine Main Construction Manager

YELLOWKNIFE, NWT, Feb. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to the safe management of the Giant Mine site, in order to protect the health and safety of local residents and the environment. 

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett,  Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement are pleased to announce the award of the Giant Mine site's Main Construction Manager contract. This contract is an important step forward in the remediation of Giant Mine.

As the main construction manager, Parsons Inc. will provide construction management services to the Giant Mine Remediation Project team over two terms.  Work completed in Term 1 will centre around responsibility for site care and maintenance and emerging risks on site, as well as supporting planning efforts for the full remediation in Term 2. This work will start immediately and will be undertaken until March 31, 2020 at a cost of up to $32 million. The cost estimate of Term 2 will be determined following design work undertaken in Term 1.

In Term 2, set to begin in 2020, Parsons Inc. will oversee the implementation of the overall remediation plan and associated activities. This contract will provide valuable economic and employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples and Northerners.  

The Government of Canada is committed to renewing our relationship with Indigenous peoples and closing the socio-economic gap by supporting communities' economic development.This contract is a step forward to achieving this goal.

Quotes

"Today's announcement is an important step toward building a new legacy for the site, one that reflects the input of the communities, protects the environment, and creates economic growth and opportunities for the North and Indigenous peoples."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

"This contract award highlights our government's commitment to the North, to Indigenous Peoples, and to the environment. This contract will target maximum local involvement, create jobs, support economic growth, and ensure the protection of our environment for future generations."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"The health and safety of Northerners and the sound environmental management of contaminants are a top priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories. I am pleased to see progress being made to remediate the Giant Mine Site in Yellowknife and satisfied that the federal government has structured the contract to allow for the fullest economic participation of Indigenous and northern businesses in supporting the work of Parsons Canada".

The Honourable Robert C. McLeod
Minister of Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories

"The successful remediation of Giant Mine will contribute to the long-term health of Northerners, our environment, and our economy.  I am glad this project is moving forward with the awarding of the contract to Parsons Inc. and the commitment to local employment."

Michael V. McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• Giant Mine is an abandoned gold mine within Yellowknife, NWT's city boundaries. It operated from 1948 until 1999. The former owner, Royal Oak Mines, entered receivership in 1999 and the Ontario Supreme Court transferred the property to INAC.
• The Giant Mine site is one of the highest priority contaminated sites within the federal property inventory and requires ongoing management to protect human health and safety, and the environment.
• The Giant Mine remediation will cover the clean-up of the entire mine site, both surface and underground aspects.

Associated Links

www.giant.gc.ca

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada