CanNor makes key investments to support innovation and diversification in the Northwest Territories

Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories, on behalf of
the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor, announced investments of over $210,000, delivered by CanNor, to support three projects that enhance economic development in the Northwest Territories (NWT) through innovation and diversification.

This funding from the Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) program focuses on foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners to take advantage of diversification of the economy in the NWT.

NWT Initiatives supported by CanNor

Metcor Inc. - Indigenous Participation in Northern Remediation Projects: $75,000

CanNor is investing $75,000 towards a one-year project with a further investment of $75,000 from CIRNAC. The total cost of the project is $150,000. This funding supports the development of a five-year action plan by Metcor Inc., the economic development arm of the North Slave Métis Alliance, which will help define initiatives that maximize opportunities for Indigenous participation in the emerging remediation economy. As a result of this project, Metcor will increase their understanding of the potential benefits of training, skills development, employment, capacity development, procurement and business development in the remediation sector across NWT.

Kasteel Construction and Coatings Inc. - Improved specialty training for trades in NWT: $35,380

CanNor is investing $35,380 towards a one-year project with a further investment from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Kasteel Construction and Coatings Inc. The total cost of the project is $76,334. This funding supports the acquisition of equipment and specialized training to help offer High Angle Rescue and Quantitative Fit Testing training to northern businesses with employees operating in the construction industry and other hazardous environments. This project will help improve workplace safety by expanding the availability of safety training, not currently available in the NWT, to NWT employers and their employees. The project includes building a mezzanine in Kasteel’s main shop to provide the infrastructure needed to certify trainers and deliver training to the public. With this program funding, Kasteel aims to certify up to eight trainers and grow their presence in NWT’s adult education and training market and diversify their business revenue streams. Kasteel’s goal through this project and other training initiatives is to build capacity in the North and to have Northerners training Northerners.

GNWT – ITI - Assessing Geological Materials for Cement Production: $99,999

CanNor is investing $99,999 towards a two-year project with further investments from the GNWT and the University of Alberta. The total cost of the project is $240,000. This funding supports the GNWT’s Geological Survey, a division of the GNWT’s Industry Tourism and Investment department, as they complete a comprehensive analysis of field samples for limestone, shale, and gypsum, which will help identify potential sites to support cement manufacturing in NWT. The data obtained through this project will inform a preliminary business model for local cement production. Access to a local supply of cement would help reduce the overall environmental footprint of infrastructure development, drastically reduce shipping costs, and support the development of a new industry with strong growth potential.