CanNor investing in Nunavut’s Indigenous economic development

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is stepping up to help businesses in Nunavut, while creating and maintaining jobs, enhancing Indigenous business development and maximizing opportunities throughout the region.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced an investment of over $2 million to support Indigenous employment, skills development, infrastructure development and capacity building across Nunavut.

Nunavut initiatives supported by CanNor

Powerscreen Metrolak Jaw Crusher                                                                              $487,540

CanNor is investing $487,540, with the Hamlet of Pond Inlet providing an additional $121,885 to support the purchase a rock crusher. The total cost of the project is $609,425. This will enable the community to produce its own aggregate for infrastructure projects. It will provide additional community infrastructure capacity, a reliable source of material, and a revenue stream for the hamlet. The project is expected to create 1 new job, expand 2 existing jobs, and help maintain an additional 2 jobs.

Driver and HEO Training                                                                                                 $450,000

CanNor is investing $450,000 towards a three-year project with a further investment of $910,000 from the Nunavut Municipal Training Organization. The total cost of the project is $1,360,000. This project will help develop and implement six new locally delivered driver and heavy equipment operator courses. The project will include assessing existing training materials, curriculum development, translation, simulator purchase, and training delivery piloting in four communities. The pilot project will benefit Inuit in the Qikiqtaaluk region, and in subsequent years will be expanded to all communities across Nunavut.

Baker Lake Welding Shop Training Program                                                               $299,997

CanNor is investing $299,997, with Peter’s Expediting Ltd contributing $620,000, ABF Arctic investing $110,000, and Agnico Eagle Mines investing $50,000 towards a three-year project to construct a welding shop in Baker Lake. The total cost of the project is $1,079,997. Once completed, ABF Arctic will develop and administer a training curriculum providing trainees with the skills to take advantage of local mine operations. They will also be able to work for other businesses requiring welding services. This project is expected to create at least 6 full-time jobs and expand a minimum of 2 jobs. The successful implementation of the training program could result in much higher levels of job creation across the region.

NEDA Annual Training Conference                                                                                $264,000

CanNor is investing $264,000, with the Nunavut Economic Developers Association (NEDA) from support of the Government of Nunavut Economic Development and Transportation providing $66,000 towards a three-year project to support the professional development of Nunavut’s 25 Community Economic Development Officers (EDOs) through the Annual General Training Conference. The total cost of the project is $330,000. As part of this project, NEDA is developing a new strategic plan that will incorporate its sustainable development goals. This project will improve Nunavut economic development capacity and expertise, allow EDOs to network with counterparts across the North, and learn about new opportunities that can benefit their communities.

Inuusirvik Community Wellness Hub – Phase 2                                                           $225,000

CanNor is investing $225,000, with the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre (QHRC) contributing $125,000 and Qaujigiatiit Corporation investing $25,000. The total cost of the project is $375,000. The funding supports the completion of  the engineering, architectural and geo-technical drawings and documents for the Innusirvik Community Wellness Hub to be built in downtown Iqaluit. Once completed, the Hub will have a variety of non-profit tenants including QHRC, Ilisaqsivik Community Wellness Centre Society, and the Tasiuqtigiit Daycare. New jobs will be created, rent stability will be provided to local non-profit tenants, and QHRC will have the income stability to cover operating and maintenance costs.

Completion of the Red Fish Community Arts Studio                                                   $175,000

CanNor is investing $175,000, with the Government of Nunavut contributing $165,000 and the Municipality of Cambridge Bay investing $60,000. The total cost of the project is $400,000. This funding will complete the conversion of a heritage building into a Community Arts Studio. Once finished, the studio will be used by multiple community groups to create and sell locally made artwork, produce in a digital arts studio and will house the local radio station. The Studio will promote Inuit culture and increase tourism though the arts. It also includes a welding studio which will provide a space for art and functional welding programs. By winning in the Youth Category of the Arctic Inspiration Prize, equipment has been purchased for the welding studio and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association has helped to purchase equipment for the woodworking component.

The project will also include economic development initiatives such as job training and entrepreneurship development. The programming will promote cultural awareness and provide extracurricular activities for youth and all residents. It is expected to result in 2-3 full-time jobs once the project is completed to support the new programming.

Atiigo Media: Arctic Stock Project                                                                                   $92,100

CanNor is investing $92,100, with Atiigo Media contributing $33,916, and Kakivak investing $58,194 to support the business expansion of Atiigo’s Arctic Stock project. The total cost of the project is $184,930. This project will provide a platform to showcase and sell high-quality stock media created by Northern artists. As part of this project, Atiigo will expand its marketing reach through trade magazines, periodicals, newspapers and social media. They will also hire one permanent employee to manage Arctic Stock and will conduct photography training workshops in each of Nunavut’s three regions.

Prime Auto Services: Vehicle repair business                                                               $18,750

CanNor is investing $18,750, with Prime Auto Services contributing $7,650 to develop a business plan to investigate the feasibility of operating a privately-owned vehicle repair business in Baker Lake. The total cost of the project is $26,400. There is currently no retail option available for auto repair in the community.

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