Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Western Arctic Centre for Geomatics is going to be an expansion of the Geomatics Centre that is now based in Yellowknife. It’s able to do that because of the Fibre Optic Link that’s going into the valley. Prior to that, we wouldn’t have the ability to transmit the kind of data that is associated with geospatial data, which is big data. It’s also taking advantage of the opportunities associated with the space agencies and their desire to see value-added industry added in the North. If we can establish the platform for them to take advantage of what is being introduced through the space agency, they made commitments that they will work with us to build an industry there.

I think the Members are well aware of the kind of industry that has been seen in other jurisdictions such as in Kiruna where they created a multi-million-dollar industry with several hundred jobs associated with the movement of this big data largely because they happen to be in a convenient geographical location for the satellite station. We’re trying to capture and build on that. We’re working with Aurora College. We’re also working very much with the federal government. The federal government has provided funding up front to do the feasibility study on the Western Arctic, and that was the basis for moving forward. They’ve also made commitments going forward to help provide support

both through open data sharing and also through in-kind support. We meet with them on a very regular basis related to this project.