In Whitehorse, where Minister Duncan announced $2,306,670 in funding for Yukon Tourism, Senator Lang, event MC; Patricia Cunning, Executive Director of the MacBride Museum; Justin Ferby, Managing Director of the Carcross Tagish Development Corporation; Elaine Taylor, Yukon governments Minister of Tourism and Culture; Jim Robb, Yukon artist and creator of the Colourful Five Percent exhibit; and John Duncan, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency pose in front of some of Jim Robbs artwork
Whitehorse (Yukon) February 22, 2011 - Today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced an investment of $306,670 for three tourism projects that will help grow Yukon's tourism industry.
"Our Government is proud to support initiatives that strengthen Yukon's economy," said Minister Duncan who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "These investments create diversity in the Yukon tourism sector, and help strengthen tourism-related businesses while creating local jobs."
"By investing in these innovative projects, our Government is ensuring that Northerners benefit from opportunities in their communities," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Regional Minister for the North and Minister of Health. "These initiatives showcase Yukon's distinct culture and heritage, and will help to attract a broader range of visitors to the Territory, and create more sustainable local economies."
CanNor's investments include:
- $96,000 for the Carcross Tagish Development Corporation to purchase totem poles to increase awareness of Carcross First Nation culture and heritage and promote the community as a tourism destination;
- $135,670 for the Klondike Visitors Association to develop a technology based tourism pilot project that will make the many attractions in Dawson City more accessible to visitors; and
- $75,000 to the MacBride Museum Society to create a new "Colourful Five Percent" exhibit.
These investments are 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 which 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
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor
867-667-3849
