May 6, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council
We thank the Auditor General for his work and accept all his recommendations. In fact, the Agency has already taken steps and made progress in addressing these recommendations. We remain committed to supporting the North through investments in communities, business, energy, and important infrastructure.
Since its creation in 2009, CanNor has invested over $185 million in 910 projects to foster economic development across the North. CanNor has provided support for community involvement in major resource development projects, contributed to business capacity and innovation, invested in geosciences, improved local infrastructure, and enhanced participation in local labour markets.
This includes an investment in 2012 of $27 million over five years to expand adult basic education in the territories through the Northern Adult Basic Education Program (NABEP). NABEP was established to provide northern Canadians with improved access to training to position them to participate in the labour market. In 2012-13, more than 60 programs were offered to over 800 adult learners.
Additionally, since 2010, CanNor has invested in Nunavut’s fishing industry. This important investment supports an industry that employs approximately 300 seasonal fisherpersons. In 2012-13, the total market value of the actual harvest for Nunavut's turbot, northern shrimp and arctic char was $79 million.
CanNor will continue to work alongside its clients, partners and stakeholders to create a strong, diversified and sustainable economy that creates jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for the benefit of Northerners and all Canadians. The Agency is committed to ensuring effective and efficient service to all three territories and is continually improving its business processes to better serve the North.
We will continue to make record investments in the North to help foster a strong northern economy that creates jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for the benefit of Northerners and all Canadians.
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic
Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council
For further information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Amanda Gordon
819-997-1441
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Wanda Thompson
Communications
613-995-9415
For more information about CanNor, visit www.cannor.gc.ca.
