CanNor Invests in Ecosystem Protection and Indigenous Economic Development Capacity - Improving land use planning and decision-making processes while creating jobs for Northerners

CARCROSS, YT, July 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced a two-year investment of $294,400 towards developing an ecosystem mapping tool for use by Yukon's Carcross/Tagish First Nation.

The Southern Lakes Region of Yukon is highly sought after for development, but is also ecologically significant to a number of key species of wildlife and their habitats. Carcross/Tagish First Nation will use sensitive ecosystem mapping to address the sustainable economic development, conservation, and habitat protection goals of the First Nation. The mapping will also include data for cultural and heritage sites. Data from the ecosystem mapping will help Indigenous leaders make informed land use planning decisions that balance the preservation of First Nation lands with economic development to meet the current and future needs of Indigenous people in the region.

Quotes

"It is essential that we support long-term, sustainable economic growth for Indigenous communities and promote environmental protection. By working together to invest in clean economic growth, we can diversify the northern economy while protecting our sensitive ecosystems and wildlife."

Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"In Yukon, we have boundless potential for land development, but at the same time we recognize how important it is to preserve the culture, heritage, and wildlife that enrich our territory. I am proud that the Government of Canada actively supports Indigenous communities in sustainable and informed land use planning and economic development."

Larry Bagnell
Member of Parliament for Yukon

Quick Facts

• CanNor's contribution complements an initial investment of $150,000 from Carcross/Tagish First Nation, along with $50,000 in support from the Vancouver Foundation.
• Sensitive ecosystem mapping is the process of inventorying, cataloguing, and mapping ecologically fragile, rare, or at-risk habitats. 

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information: Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Krisandra Reid, Communications Advisor, Yukon Region, 867-667-3210; For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca; Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Daphne Vernier, Communications Coordinator, 867-821-4251 ext.8235; For more information about CTFN, visit http://www.ctfn.ca/