A $2.5-million annual funding request for Canada's contribution to the University of the Arctic (UArctic) will reach the ears of the nation when its tabled at an upcoming meeting of Canadian first ministers.

That's the opinion of UArctic council chair, Yukon College president Sally Webber, who made the request through MP Larry Bagnell.

The meeting of first ministers refers to meetings which include the prime minister and the leaders of Canada's 13 provinces and territories.

Webber said with the help of Bagnell, a self-proclaimed advocate of the international university which spans 80 institutions in countries throughout the circumpolar world, her request made it to the top levels of government.

'Larry (Bagnell) has been very helpful. There is still no cheque, but we were very encouraged,' Webber said.

The UArctic is a non-traditional university which would support the accessibility, quality and availability of relevant undergraduate level northern curriculum.'

She said there have been a number of other advocates for the institution, including Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Andy Scott, Defence Minister Bill Graham and Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew who met with UArctic officials on Sept. 28.

'They all said they would advocate for us at a meeting of first ministers,' Webber said.

In an interview with the Star last month, Bagnell said he continues to support UArctic and spoke with Pettigrew on two occasions to forward Webber's request.

According to UArctic information, the annual $2.5 million would be divided and allocated for several UArctic functions including:

• A $300,000 portion for territorial colleges - Nunavut Arctic College, Aurora College and Yukon College.

• A total of $100,000 for indigenous participation, including curriculum development and committees.

• A $250,000 budget for the undergraduate office including salaries for the dean and support staff.

• A $300,000 portion for the Circumpolar Mobility Program to assist both students and faculty to experience study and instruction abroad.

• A $100,000 budget for the international academic office which handles student records and transfers.

• A total of $300,000 for curriculum development.

• A $150,000 budget for open learning initiatives which include a new office for non-credit courses and community outreach education initiatives.

• A total of $900,000 for Centres for Circumpolar Studies which would create new degree capactiy-building in the three territorial colleges.

-A budget of $100,000 for support for Canadian governors and officers participation and advocacy.

According to the UArctic, the money will enable the institution to provide a number of benefits including:

• Enhancing learning and training opportunities for Canadians living in the north.

• Providing relevant northern-based curriculum with respect for indigenous values and knowledge.

• Increasing Canadian research capacity for northern and Arctic issues and attracting the next generation of scientists.

• Advancing Canada's leadership in the Arctic region and stimulating international co-operation.

• Environmental protection.

• Promoting trade and investment and supporting the security of the region's people.

Webber said she also plans on asking Premier Dennis Fentie for a contribution at a meeting tomorrow.

'What we're asking for is about a dollar-per-person (for every person living in the Yukon),' she said.

'That equals about $31,000, I think that's doable.

'There are significant benefits to the Yukon,' she said.

Webber said similar requests would also be made to the premiers of the other territories as well as various Canadian provinces.

UArctic has been allocated money in the past through a variety of federal bodies including the Department of Foreign Affairs, who gave $250,000 in 2003-04 and 2004-05. The Department of Indian Affairs provided $20,000 in 2003-04 and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada allocated a total of $441,000 to the initiative.

Other countries involved in the UArctic include, but are not exclusive to, Sweden, Norway, Russia and the United States.