CanNor-11-011
Iqaluit, Nunavut (September 21, 2011)– Today the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health announced funding to the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce (BRCC) that will help strengthen and improve capacity in the Nunavut business community.
"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in business capacity development in Nunavut, to help businesses reach their full potential," said Minister Aglukkaq. "By delivering workshops that are geared to the needs of Northern communities, businesses will be better positioned to take advantage of economic development opportunities in the region."
CanNor is investing $100,000 with the BRCC to fund two projects. During the 2011 Nunavut Trade Show, the BRCC will organize conferences that will bring business leaders, government officials and industry representatives together to discuss how Nunavummiut can capitalize on the projected growth in the resource sector. The BRCC will also travel to selected Baffin communities to deliver industry sector workshops, which will help individuals identify the business opportunities available in their community and how to develop these opportunities.
"These projects enable entrepreneurs and business owners in the Baffin, and across Nunavut, to identify new opportunities and gain valuable insight into the issues and potential solutions that impact the success of their businesses," said Frank May, president of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber thanks the Minister and CanNor for their support and understanding of the issues that are important to the business community."
These projects were made possible through funding from 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 - Investing in business development with the BRCC
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
Federal Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian
Northern Economic Development Agency
(613) 957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Petra White
Communications Advisor
(867) 766-8435
Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce
Hal Timar
Executive Director
(867) 979-4654