CanNor-11-020
Ross River, Yukon, (December 7, 2011) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced funding for two projects that will enable Ross River citizens to take advantage of economic opportunities related to clean energy development and the proposed Selwyn Chihong mining project.
"These two projects will help Ross River Dena Council citizens to effectively participate in and benefit from sustainable economic development in their communities," said Minister Aglukkaq. "We are ensuring that First Nations have the tools to negotiate with mining companies, and to assess new sources of renewable energy which are important to the development of future mining activities in Ross River Dena Council's traditional territory."
"These projects will allow the Ross River Dena Council to make informed decisions about the development of the resource industry on their lands and help set a foundation for long-term economic growth and create new job opportunities for local citizens," said Ryan Leef, Yukon Member of Parliament.
CanNor support will enable the Ross River Dena Council (RRDC) to develop a Socio-Economic Partnership Agreement with Selwyn Chihong Limited. This agreement will provide for the meaningful participation of the RRDC during the exploration and construction phases of the proposed Selwyn mining project which straddles the Yukon and Northwest Territories border. CanNor's investment will allow the Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation (DNDC) to create a clean energy inventory and assess commercial opportunities to develop run-of-the-river hydro and wind energy facilities throughout Ross River Dena Council's traditional territory.
"The funding being provided by CanNor is critical to ensuring that our community is able to effectively engage in meaningful negotiations with Selwyn-Chihong," said Ross River Dena Council Chief Jack Caesar. "It is important that our members are able to make informed decisions, understanding both the impacts and potential benefits that will come from this project planned in our traditional territory."
These investments are made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program and the Community Economic Opportunities Program (CEOP). Both programs belong to a suite of economic development programs coordinated and delivered in the three territories by CanNor.
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
867 667-3849
Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation
Marie Skidmore
867 979-2832
Ross River Dena Council
Chief Jack Caesar
867 969-2277
