The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has invested $426,000 in four projects that will encourage economic development by fostering business innovation and knowledge in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. With additional contributions from project proponents, private investors and the territorial governments, the projects have a total value of more than $500,000.
Project: Training Equipment and Computer Upgrades
CanNor Funding: $161,000
Total Project Value: $ 161,000
In Yellowknife, NWT, CanNor funds will be used to upgrade the Det'on Cho Training and Conference Centre database with new training modules and to purchase computer hardware and training equipment. The new modules will include training in drilling and blasting, crusher and heavy equipment operation, camp cooking, underground mining, and information technology. These programs will prepare graduates to obtain industry recognized certification. This project will establish a training hub in the territory to develop a skilled, certified workforce for the mining, remediation and IT sectors.
Project: Tetlit Gwich'in Council Willow Harvesting Project
CanNor Funding: $50,000
Territorial Funding: $21,000
Proponent Funding: $10,000
Total Project Value: $81,000
The Government of Northwest Territories' Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with the support of the Tetlit Gwich'in Council, will undertake two studies to determine if invasive and fast-growing willow near the Peel River can be used as fuel in Fort McPherson's district heating system. The first study will assess harvesting and storage practices, sustainability, and impact on the heating system. The second study will examine the impact of harvest on the river, including effects on river flow and sediment transport in the Peel River. Tetlit Gwich'in Council will provide logistical and administrative services for both studies, including equipment, field assistants, and traditional knowledge advisors.
Project: Infrastructure II: Northern Project Management Support
CanNor Funding: $100,000
Territorial Government Funding: $125,000
Total Project Value: $ 225,000
The Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation (NBDC) will use the funding to enable the Project Manager to administer a federal investment of $21.6 million for Nunavut from Infrastructure Canada (INFC) announced August 29, 2008. The INFC funding will support enhanced satellite bandwidth management tools, the procurement of satellite capacity, and the upgrading of satellite networks to improve internet access in 25 Nunavut communities. The NBDC is a not-for-profit corporation with a mandate to ensure that Nunavut residents are able to obtain affordable broadband services that meet the public's economic, educational, social, and cultural needs.
Project: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment and Fibre Optic Feasibility Study
CanNor Funding: $100,000
Total Project Value: $ 100,000
The Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation (NBDC) will use the CanNor funding to assess the socio-economic impacts of broadband services in Nunavut, as well as the feasibility of establishing fibre optic connections.
The socio-economic impact study will include a review of previous Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The staff will outline various potential scenarios for future broadband use, future investments and examine the impacts under each scenario. The fibre optic feasibility study will assess the impacts of establishing a fibre optic connection for Nunavut under different models. The project will include reviewing bandwidth requirements, costs, and potential funding partnerships.
