A key to Canada's economic recovery is supporting local businesses as they rebuild from the impacts of the pandemic so they can better serve their communities and lead economic growth. Indigenous businesses, organizations and communities across the North and Arctic faced significant challenges during the pandemic and now play a vital role in economic recovery and in achieving long-term economic development goals across the territories.

"Communities in the North and Arctic have needs that are much different than other parts of the country, including infrastructure, food security, and economic opportunity. Our government recognizes these challenges and is working directly with Indigenous partners, businesses, and organizations in continuing to support projects that increase training and capacity building, develop infrastructure, expand operations, and support food security and food affordability. We are working alongside Indigenous businesses and organizations, based on their local priorities, to seize opportunities, to create jobs, and grow the economy for all Northerners." 

The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs,
Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor

"Today's announcement supports the economic potential of Indigenous entrepreneurs and business viability. This project funding is helping local businesses and Indigenous organizations benefit from key economic opportunities, while also supporting training and skills development, good jobs, strong communities and a more inclusive and robust NWT economy."

Michael McLeod,
Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

"Working with CanNor has been a pleasure, we appreciate their commitment to supporting local Indigenous entrepreneurs."

Don Morin,
owner of Morin's Fisheries

"Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation is pleased to work alongside CanNor for the completion of our Hydroponic and Trust Fund projects. The financial support that CanNor is providing to our community is helping us to achieve our goals related to food security and prosperity for our future generations. We look forward to our continued relationship with CanNor on these files and other matters." 

Chief Kele Antoine,
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation

• The funding announced today is provided through CanNor's full suite of regular economic development programming, including the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program (NAEOP), Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth), and Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund.

• CanNor's economic development programming supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

Associated links

• Backgrounder: CanNor investment of over $550,000 supports five Indigenous economic development initiatives across the Northwest Territories

Kyle Allen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
819-953-1153

Barbara Abramchuk
Communications Advisor, Northwest Territories
CanNor
Barbara.Abramchuk@cannor.gc.ca

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