CanNor investments support jobs, growth and opportunities in Canada's territories

As we walk the road of reconciliation together, the Government of Canada remains strongly committed to creating economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities. They play a vital role in the Northern economy across all three territories – Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon.

Recognizing their important contributions, Larry Bagnell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CanNor, today announced an investment of nearly $5 million in support of 11 Indigenous projects across the territories.  

Indigenous projects supported by CanNor

Nunavut

Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation – Water and sewer infrastructure  $1,652,698

CanNor invested $1,652,698 in this one-year project with a further investment of $1,668,902 from the Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation (QBDC). The total cost of the project was $3,321,600. The project introduced water and sewer infrastructure to the Federal Road area in Iqaluit that contains both municipal and Inuit Owned Land. The installed water and sewer infrastructure project addressed an infrastructure gap in the Federal Road area which was previously served by trucked utility services that are insufficient for large commercial ventures.

Sakku Investments Corporation – Retail Gas Outlet $36,694

CanNor invested $36,694 in this one-year project with a further investment of $18,322 from Sakku Investments Corporation and $18,322 from the Government of Nunavut. The total cost of the project was $73,339. The project allowed for the completion of a feasibility study to determine the viability and design options for a retail gas outlet in the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet. The installed retail outlet addresses an infrastructure gap in the community, which was previously served by a single government fuel station causing long service delays.

Nunavut Fisheries Association – Socio-economic impacts, Nunavut commercial fishing industry $20,000

CanNor is investing $20,000 towards this one-year project with a further investment of $9,900 from the Nunavut Fisheries Association (NFA). The total cost of the project is $29,900. The NFA will lead a study on the socio-economic impacts of the Nunavut commercial fishing industry. The NFA represents the Nunavut fishing industry, and works to increase Inuit-owned commercial fishing allocations.


Northwest Territories        

Det'on Cho Management LP – Giant Mine reclamation and remediation $908,635

CanNor is investing $908,635 in this two-year project with a further $389,415 investment from Det'on Cho Management LP and $1,305,050 through financing. The total cost of the project is $2,603,100.  Det'on Cho Management LP (DCM), a Yellowknives Dene-owned company, is expanding to establish a rock aggregate production business division to supply local infrastructure projects. Their project is focused on preparing them to potentially provide the necessary aggregate for the reclamation and remediation of Giant Mine. This funding supports them in their launch of an aggregate production business division, the potential development of Vee Lake Quarry as a source of raw material for the operation, training and capacity building activities and the purchase of heavy rock-crushing machinery and transportation equipment. The project is expected to create 12-14 new full-time positions within the community of N'dilo.    

Yellowknife Dene First Nation – Business plan: tourism, cultural and business incubator $320,000

CanNor invested $320,000 in this one-year project with a further $80,000 investment from Yellowknife Dene First Nation (YDFN). The total cost of the project is $400,000. Led by the YDFN, this project will produce a business plan for a tourism, cultural and business incubator located in Dettah.  As part of the business plan, a feasibility and planning study will be completed to assess the need and viability of a small business incubator in the community. This study will consider potential programs and services as well as estimated construction costs. The new facility is intended to support tourism product development, Indigenous business start-ups and expansion, and new employment and training opportunities for members who could benefit from increased tourism in the NWT.

Denendeh Development Corporation – Indigenous investment vehicle $264,000

CanNor is investing $264,000 in this one-year project with a further investment of $20,960 from Denendeh Development Corporation (DDC), $50,000 from the Government of Northwest Territories and $46,154 from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The total cost of the project is $381,114. The DDC will deliver an Indigenous Leaders economic forum and develop a five year plan, including an investment vehicle for partnering Indigenous governments in the NWT. This initiative will allow partnering organizations to make strategic investments intended to accomplish specific goals.

Sahtu Dene Council – Sahtu Keepers of the Land, tourism development initiative $215,050

CanNor is investing $215,050 in this two-year project with a further investment of $5,000 from the Sahtu Dene Council (SDC) and $170,000 from other sources, including $60,000 from the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board. The total cost of the project is $390,050. The SDC, in partnership with local community organizations, will develop three tourism sustainability action plans to support the development of tourism opportunities stemming from proposed Indigenous Protected Areas in the Sahtu communities of Deline, Tulita and Fort Good Hope. The project will address specific Sahtu tourism and cultural development needs and contribute towards establishing a sustainable cultural tourism economy in these communities.
 
City of Yellowknife and Yellowknife Dene First Nation – Shared economic development strategy $150,000

CanNor invested $150,000 in this two-year project with a further $50,000 investment from the City of Yellowknife. The total cost of the project is $200,000. The City of Yellowknife is working jointly with the Yellowknife Dene First Nation communities of Dettah and N'Dilo, with assistance from the First Nations –  Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) to develop a five-year economic development strategy. The strategy will guide the economic growth and prosperity of both communities.

Acho Dene Koe First Nation – Impacts Benefits Agreement, Prairie Creek Mine Project $75,000

CanNor is investing $75,000 iin this two-year project with a further $25,000 investment from Nor Zinc Ltd., and $20,075 from Acho Dene Koe First Nation. The total cost of the project is $120,075. The funding will be used to negotiate an Impacts and Benefit Agreement (IBA) between Acho Dene Koe First Nation (ADKFN) and NorZinc Ltd. The purpose of the IBA is to ensure that employment and business opportunities are provided to the impacted First Nation. The agreement is expected to outline how community members will benefit in terms of employment, training, contracts, and allocate specific business opportunities to the First Nations' corporate group. The IBA will maximize community participation in the proposed Prairie Creek Mine Project (PCM) and the construction of an all season access road. Upon construction, the PCM project plans to hire more than 360 people for the day-to-day operations of the mine, as well as subcontracting for the transportation of ore from the site to Fort Nelson, British Columbia.    

Yukon

Selkirk Development Corporation – Minto Resort Revitalization $1,222,480

CanNor invested $1,222,480 in this two-year project with a further $ 622,020 from the Selkirk First Nation and the Selkirk Development Corporation. The total cost of the project is $1,844,500. The funding supports improvements and additions to the Minto Resort facilities. This project will provide long-term financial benefits to Selkirk Development Corporation and Selkirk First Nation through an increase in overnight RV and tenting visitors, picnic users, as well as group tours and corporate retreat rentals.

Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce – Research, Yukon First Nations Businesses    $43,899

CanNor invested $43,899 in this one-year project with a further $12,500 investment from the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce (YFNCC). The total cost of the project is $56,399. The YFNCC is leading the project to conduct research and gather baseline data on the Indigenous businesses' economic contributions to Yukon's economy. This research will help to identify barriers and preconditions to business growth for Indigenous government, development corporations and Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Related Products

News release: Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous businesses and communities across the territories

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