18 August 2009
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Residents of the North will soon be served by a new regional development agency with a specific mandate to deliver federal programs specifically tailored to the needs of Northern Canada. Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the creation of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, fulfilling a key commitment contained in Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“One of the key priorities of our government’s Northern Strategy is to ensure a stronger, more dynamic economy for Northern families and businesses,” said the Prime Minister. “There is no better way to ensure a brighter future for our North than by directly empowering Northern workers and businesses to take advantage of the resources and opportunities that exist right here at home.”
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will be headquartered in Iqaluit, with district offices located in Whitehorse and Yellowknife. The new agency will fulfill the same role as Canada’s existing regional development agencies, including co-ordination and delivery of federal economic development activities at the regional level and policy, research and advocacy.
It will be responsible for administering federal initiatives including Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development, Community Adjustment Fund, and infrastructure programs such as RInC and Aboriginal Business and Economic Development programs.
“Whether we are talking about the abundant natural resources or the resourcefulness of Northerners themselves,” said the Prime Minister, “we are acting today to unleash the North’s true potential.”
