CanNor-09-024
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (March 1, 2010) – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced today an Economic Action Plan investment of $225,000 to attract French-speaking people and businesses to the Northwest Territories.
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) will support a series of initiatives, including the development of a marketing strategy to promote the territory in French-speaking areas of Canada and Europe as a desirable place to live, work, visit, and invest.
“Our Government is committed to strengthening the economy of the NWT, “said Minister Strahl who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians “Attracting more French-speakers and investers to the North will support economic and cultural diversity, enhance the labour pool, and benefit NWT businesses and residents.”
Working with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and other partners, the Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CDETNO) will use the federal funds to help establish French services for new immigrants to the territory, educate employers on how to attract and retain employees, and develop and deliver a marketing plan, promotional materials and other activities designed to bring French-speaking people and businesses to the territory.
“We are ecstatic that CanNor is partnering with us in the realisation of this important project for the Northwest Territories. This project truly reflects our approach to economic development: collaborative, strategic, with a focus on the long term,” said CDETNO President, Jean-François Pitre.
“Our investments in the territory will support business, employment and tourism opportunities,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. “The Government of Canada has made the North a priority.”
Funding for this project was made possible through Canada’s Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED), part of Canada's Economic Action Plan . The SINED program falls under the mandate of CanNor and focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in the three territories.
CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy.
Backgrounder – Government of Canada Invests in the Economic Development of Northwest Territories
Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan and Canada's Northern Strategy.
For further information please contact:
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), NWT Region
Petra White
Communications Advisor
(867) 669-2580
Petra.White@cannor.gc.ca
