CanNor-11-008
Iqaluit, Nunavut (August 31, 2011) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced the construction of two new Co-op retail buildings which will mean greater choice of food and housewares for people living in Baker Lake and Sanikiluaq, Nunavut.
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting local aboriginal businesses which help create jobs and economic opportunities in Northern communities," said Minister Aglukkaq. "By expanding the size of their store and warehouse spaces, these two Co-ops are better able to serve people in their communities."
"The development of these two new facilities is another example of local Co-ops in the Arctic investing in essential community infrastructure. Co-ops are community builders," said Bill Lyall, president of Arctic Co-operatives Limited.
CanNor invested $250,000 each with the Sanavik Co-operatives Association in Baker Lake and the Mitiq Co-operatives Association in Sanikiluaq for the construction of new retail stores. These new buildings significantly increased the amount of retail space available, and also allow the old buildings to be converted to warehouses. The Co-ops now offer a larger selection of fresh products while the increased warehouse space will allow them to better take advantage of sealifts.
Funding for these projects was provided through CanNor's Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) programming, which provides support for First Nations and Inuit economic development projects in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon.
AED is comprised of a suite of funding programs which include the Aboriginal Business Development Program (ABDP) which provides business development support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and organizations.
Backgrounder - CanNor Funding Increases Retail Space in Two Community Co-ops
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 Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
(613) 957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor
867-975-3735
Arctic Co-operatives Limited
Lilian Choi
Department Manager, Communications
204-697-2243 ext. 288
