2-02466 WHITEHORSE, YUKON (April 15, 2004) - Larry Bagnell, Yukon MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Mitchell, that four projects, totalling $152,793 and aimed at strengthening and diversifying the Yukon's economy, have been approved for funding from the federal Innovation and Knowledge Fund. "The Innovation and Knowledge Fund demonstrates a commitment on behalf of the Government of Canada to invest in the economic development of the Yukon," said Mr. Bagnell. "This range of projects that communities, First Nations, businesses and government have initiated emphasizes the interest of Northerners in using new technologies to enhance knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in their communities." "I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting these projects that enable Northerners to participate in and benefit from an innovative and knowledge-based economy," Minister Andy Mitchell said. "This is an ideal time for projects that will make the Yukon a leader in Canadian innovation and economic development among smaller communities." The Government of Yukon received approval for $30,000 to spearhead a Territorial Workshop Series in E-commerce aimed at women, First Nations, advanced users and communities. Two-day workshops in six Yukon communities will target small businesses and new enterprises interested in developing an electronic component in their venture. This series builds on the E-biz for Small Biz Electronic Commerce initiative that received Innovation and Knowledge funds in 2003 to develop a strategic plan. An Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) project through the Council for Yukon First Nations has approval for $50,000 in funding for Phase 1, and will also identify measures meriting more detailed study for Phase 2. The project will seek to develop an appreciation for measures currently available to Yukon First Nations to secure traditional knowledge IPR associated with local and regional heritage, cultural and genetic resources, both at home and internationally. The Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation received approval for $25,000 to develop and implement a prototype land registry system to manage property rights information for the First Nation, in partnership with Challenger Geomatics. "The Association franco-yukonnaise received approval for $47,793 for its Development of Interactive and Multimedia Content and Services Dedicated to Economic and Community Development initiative. The project will enable unprecedented outreach to the Francophone as well as the non-Francophone community of the Yukon, offering innovative content and services for the benefit of both the public and business interests. The Innovation and Knowledge Fund is integral to the Government of Canada's commitment to northern economic development by providing $4.4 million over four years to projects in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, for the enhancement of knowledge and innovation. Each territory receives $350,000 annually through this Innovation and Knowledge Fund. For more information, please contact: Clint Ireland Economic Planning Officer Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Yukon Region (867) 667-3873
