CanNor-10-059
Whitehorse, (Yukon), January 11, 2011 – Yukon entrepreneurs will gain a better understanding of the bilingual business services available to them, thanks to an investment from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
Senator Daniel Lang, on behalf of the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) today announced a federal investment of $54,500 to support a bilingual business services study.
The Association Franco-Yukon (AFY) will use the funds to conduct a four-stage study to analyze the current bilingual business services available, assess the needs of Yukon's francophone entrepreneurs, review information from other Canadian jurisdictions and finally, develop recommendations for addressing the long-term needs of Yukon's francophone business community.
"By investing in this vibrant sector of the Yukon's business community, the Government of Canada is highlighting its commitment to help broaden and grow the Northern economy," said Senator Lang.
"Investing in the continued growth of a strong small business sector will help stimulate and diversify the economy in Yukon and across the North," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health.
"This study will enable us to better understand the needs of small francophone businesses. In partnership with Yukon's business community, it will also allow us to implement the means and the tools to maintain their long term development," said Angélique Bernard, President of the Association Franco-Yukon.
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.
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 John Duncan
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor
(867) 667-3849
Association Franco-Yukon
Johanne Lamontagne
Acting Director – RDEE/Yukon
867-688-2663 ext# 233
