Whitehorse, Yukon (August 29, 2011) – Today the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister of Health announced funding for two projects that will enhance opportunities to strengthen, diversify, and grow Yukon's economy.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in two projects that will help create new jobs and increase capacity in highly competitive business sectors in the Yukon," said Minister Clement. "The Chamber's goals are aligned with the Government of Canada's vision for strong, diversified, sustainable, and dynamic economies."
"This program provides support and encouragement to assist local businesses and First Nation economic development corporations reach their full market potential," said Ryan Leef, Yukon Member of Parliament. "Providing business development assistance to local companies will help create a strong and diverse business sector in the Yukon."
CanNor's investment of over $800,000 will support the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce (WCC) to carry out its Yukon Business Development Program and Partnering for Success initiative. Specifically:
- $658,922 for the Yukon Business Development Program (YBDP). The funding will enable YBDP to continue providing up to 20 selected companies and First Nation economic development corporations with personalized business development assistance to help them reach their full market potential. YBDP will also complete a manual to provide the necessary information required for participating companies.
- $142,500 for the Partnering for Success Business Implementation Phase. This phase will begin to address the findings and recommendations from the WCC's 2010 Economic Symposium which brought together representatives from industry, governments and First Nations to discuss business issues and ways to enhance the Yukon economy.
"The Government of Yukon has been involved with Partnering for Success and the Yukon Business Development Program since their inceptions," Economic Development Minister Steve Nordick said. "We are pleased to continue supporting businesses and working with our private sector partners to promote a prosperous and diversified Yukon economy."
"The support from CanNor and the Yukon Government has enabled the Yukon Business Development Program to provide opportunities for local businesses to become more competitive in national and international markets," said Gerrard Fleming, Chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Board. "The Partnering for Success program is complementary to the YBDP and brings stakeholders together to discuss issues and actions to enable growth in Yukon's economy."
This investment is funded by 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. CanNoris responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.
Backgrounder - CanNor Supports a Strong and Dynamic Yukon Economy
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
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor
867-667-3849
Government of Yukon
Samantha Paterson
Communications Manager
867-667-5387
Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce
Rick Karp
Executive Director
867-667-7545
president@whitehorsechamber.ca
