Government of Canada supports local economic growth in the Northwest Territories

CanNor funds strategic plans for future economic development in indigenous communities.

YELLOWKNIFE, June 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Minister Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNorannounced an investment of just over $259,000 to diversify and foster future economic opportunities for five Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories.

Funding from the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program is supporting the Norman Wells Land Corporation and the Tłįchǫ Government in preparing economic development plans to leverage potential business opportunities in order to create future benefits in their communities.

To compliment a Norman Wells Land Corporation investment of $25,000, CanNor is contributing a total of $202,318 over two years for the creation of an Area Development Plan. The plan will assist with identifying the economic opportunities associated with the development of commercial land and will support the diversification of the economy in Norman Wells.

In addition, CanNor provided a total of $57,362 to the Tłįchǫ Region Economic Development Working Group for the development of an economic strategy and implementation plan for four Tłįchǫ communities: Behchoko, Whati, Gameti, and Wekweeti. These strategies and plans will enable the four communities to assess and pursue economic and training opportunities that will enhance their business and job prospects in years to come. 

Quick Facts

• The Government of the Northwest Territories is contributing $85,638 to the Tłįchǫ Government and $25,580 to the Norman Wells Land Corporation for these projects.

Quotes

"A strong and self-sufficient economy doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, investments, and forward thinking. Investing in regional economic development plans are a key step to business growth, employment opportunities, and community wellness. The Government of Canada is proud to be a part of the building blocks that are supporting diverse and prosperous local economies in the North."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Minister responsible for CanNor

"Communities in the Northwest Territories have a lot of economic potential. By supporting economic development planning and growth, these NWT communities will benefit from future business and employment opportunities."

Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

"All progress begins with solid planning, and our government believes investment in these plans could bring exciting new training and employment opportunities to the Tłįchǫ region. Our departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Education, Culture and Employment are pleased to have contributed funding in support of a strong, skilled workforce and broader economic horizons."

The Honourable Robert R. McLeod
Premier, Northwest Territories

"Creating an area development plan will allow us to have a long-term vision and plan intelligently for the economic development of our lands for future generations."

Sherry Hodgson
President, Norman Wells Land Corporation

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information: Contacts : Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, 867-975-3722; For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca; Government of Northwest Territories, Drew Williams, Manager Public Affairs and Communications, 867- 767-9202 ext. 63037; Norman Wells Land Corporation, Sean Rorison, Executive Director, 867-587-2455