CanNor-10-074
Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) June 9, 2011 – The Government of Canada has funded a series of initiatives designed to strengthen and expand the tourism sector in the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister of Health announced today.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of tourism to the North in creating economic diversification," said Minister Aglukkaq. "These strategic investments will directly support the success of tourism-related businesses in the NWT by developing operator business skills, building the statistical knowledge-base, and attracting new visitor dollars to the territory."
"This funding has helped us to invest in Northwest Territories tourism research initiatives, increase our efforts to market NWT-made arts and crafts, and promote the territory to the rest of Canada and the world," said Bob McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment with the Government of the Northwest Territories. "Investing in the Northwest Territories tourism sector helps to support our local businesses and create diversity in our economy."
CanNor's investment of almost $900,000 supported a multi-year pan-territorial francophone tourism strategy, business and marketing workshops for tourism operators, a tourism measurement strategy, a visual arts marketing plan, and a domestic marketing campaign. With additional contributions from project proponents, the Territorial government, and other investors, the projects have a total value of more than $1.1 million.
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. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, ; research and advocacy.
Backgrounder - CanNor Supports Tourism Sector in the NWT
Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan and Canada's Northern Strategy.
For further information, please contact:
Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian
Northern Economic Development Agency
(819) 957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Petra White
Communications Advisor
867-766-8435
