The Government of Canada invests in Yukon Aboriginal Businesses

Fostering Aboriginal entrepreneurship in Yukon

WHITEHORSE, Feb. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding to support the development of four Aboriginally-owned businesses in Yukon.

This represents an investment of over $650,000 to assist Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Carmacks, Teslin and Burwash Landing as they take advantage of local business opportunities. These projects are funded through the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program (NAEOP) created to help cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship in Aboriginal communities in the North and enhance access to capital for Aboriginal businesses.

Quick Facts

• CanNor is investing $357,536 in the Kluane Energy Corporation. Funding will help develop a petroleum distribution facility in Burwash Landing which will provide gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel and bulk fuel delivery for companies working in the Kluane region that are involved in the mining, exploration, construction, and transportation industries. Kluane Energy will also be able to service the Kluane First Nation Government buildings and residents of the community. 
• CanNor is investing $145,850 in the Deslin Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation which promotes economic development for the Teslin Tlingit Council First Nation. Funding will establish a local land treatment facility in Teslin. This includes the completion of a hydrogeology study, construction and initial operation of the facility.
• CanNor is investing $53,900 in Highwind Excavating Ltd., so that it can take advantage of local contracts and government tenders within the construction, mining, and environmental sectors in Yukon.
• CanNor's investment of $20,638 will help four Aboriginal business people in Teslin to purchase and operate a food truck known as the Red Wagon. The business will operate seasonally, meeting local demand as well as traveling to other communities to supply a variety of events and celebrations throughout Yukon.

Quotes

 "Our Government is proud to invest in the creation and expansion of Aboriginal businesses in Yukon and we are committed to creating jobs and fostering economic growth across the North."

Ryan Leef
Member of Parliament for Yukon

"The Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and Business Development program has been a catalyst for the Kluane Energy Corporation to actively participate in the economy of the Kluane region. Our intent is to reinvest and diversify in Kluane as this particular energy business grows."

Geordan Clark
Executive Director, Kluane Energy Corporation

"I'm grateful for the support to expand my business"

Michael Sam
Highwind Excavating Ltd.

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research. For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information: Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Ted Laking, 819-997-1441; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Krisandra Reid, Communications Advisor, 867-667-3210; Kluane Energy Corporation, Geordan Clark, Executive Director, 867-322-1222; Michael Sam, Highwind Excavating Ltd., 867-335-3103; Dèslin Development Corporation, 867-335-1723; The Red Wagon, 867-332-1201