CanNor-11-011
Iqaluit, Nunavut (October 4, 2011) – Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health announced that Iqaluit, Nunavut will host the Economic Developers Association of Canada's annual professional development conference in September 2012 – the first time the conference will be held North of 60.
"A conference of this scope will focus an economic development spotlight on the North, and allow participants from across Canada to share knowledge and learn about doing business in the North," said Minister Aglukkaq. "The conference will provide numerous networking opportunities which could lead to future partnerships and investment possibilities for Northern businesses."
With investments from CanNor and the Government of Nunavut, as well as support from other levels of government and non-governmental organizations from all three territories, the Nunavut Economic Developers Association (NEDA) will plan, organize and host Canada's national economic developer's conference in the North.
"We are proud to sponsor and be next year's host of this conference," said Peter Taptuna, Minister of Nunavut's Department of Economic Development & Transportation. "Many of the economic developers in the three territories are active members of the Economic Developers Association of Canada and are enhancing their skills through the training programs the association offers in partnership with the University of Waterloo. We look forward to showcasing the North to Canada's economic development professionals from coast to coast to coast."
"We are very pleased with the support CanNor has provided for the conference," said Colin Saunders, President of the Board of Directors of NEDA. "Working with our partners in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, this event is an excellent opportunity to illustrate and strengthen the linkages between northern and southern Canada. It will showcase the North to economic development professionals from across the country and increase collaboration with our colleagues south of 60."
CanNor funding for this project is made possible through the 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 programs across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.
Backgrounder - CanNor Supports National Economic Development Conference North of Sixty
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
613-957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor, Yukon Region
867-667-3849
Government of Nunavut
Department of Economic Development & Transportation
Matthew Illaszewicz
Manager, Communications
867-975-7818
Nunavut Economic Developers Association (NEDA)
Mark Morrissey
Executive Director
867-979-4622
