Backgrounder - Government of Canada Supports Mining in the North
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing over $450,000 in three projects that will help increase capacity, promote investment and improve operational efficiency in the mining industry in the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
CanNor funding will be used to highlight Yukon gold mines and exploration to companies at the 2012 Prospector and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange in Toronto. A 20-page digital publication will provide an overview of the YGMA and each of its member companies and promote Yukon as an attractive place for mining investment. The publication will be distributed to nearly 40,000 potential investors. The YGMA will also be promoting an investor-oriented conference in Yukon it will host in September.
The Yukon Gold Mining Alliance is a consortium of qualified Yukon exploration, development and mining companies committed to increasing awareness of its member companies, and the Yukon, in capital markets. Its objectives are to promote established qualified companies engaged in mining activities and significant project expenditure in Yukon.
CanNor's funding will be used to purchase equipment for a training centre being created in Fort Simpson. The equipment will be used to train workers for career opportunities including mine administration, underground mining, heavy equipment operations, safety training, and camp cooks at Canadian Zinc's Prairie Creek mine.
The NWT Mine Training Society (MTS) is a partnership comprised of mining companies, community, Aboriginal, and GNWT representatives. The role of MTS is to support Aboriginal people and other Northerners in finding long-term employment in the mining sector.
Representatives from all 14 Yukon First Nations are attending two major mining industry conferences, namely the Mineral Exploration Roundup 2012 in Vancouver and the 2012 PDAC Convention in Toronto These events provide valuable introductions to mining companies and investors, opportunities for knowledgeable discussions on mining exploration within their traditional territories, as well as best practices, opportunities for joint ventures, and investment and job opportunities for their people.
The Council of Yukon First Nations is the central political organization for the First Nation people of the Yukon. Its mandate is to support First Nations Governments, First Nations aspirations and where appropriate advocate on key issues.
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development initiatives within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development and research.
