Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests in Francophone organizations to drive economic growth and opportunity in the North

September 11, 2025 – Whitehorse, Yukon – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

This information adds to the news release issued on September 11, 2025 Minister Chartrand announces investments in Francophone organizations to drive economic growth and opportunity in the North about CanNor’s support, the organizations that received funding, and their projects.

The Government of Canada, through CanNor, is providing up to $1.05 million in targeted funding to four projects aimed at attracting workers, developing key sectors, and expanding access to education and services for French-speakers in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Project information

Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Recipient: Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY)
Project details:This four-year project aims to build the Franco-Canadian tourism, arts and culture sectors in the Yukon by providing business training for artists and cultural workers, and promoting the territory through targeted campaigns in Quebec and France.
CanNor contribution: Up to $353,000
Other funding: AFY: $478,000; Government of Yukon

Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Recipient: AFY
Project details:This four-year, pan-territorial project aims to attract Francophone and bilingual individuals to live and work in the North. This initiative will promote the territories and support northern employers by facilitating the recruitment and retention of skilled workers.
CanNor contribution: Up to $320,000
Other funding: AFY: $28,000; Carrefour Nunavut: $26,000; Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest: $26,000

Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Recipient: Collège nordique francophone (CNF)
Project details:This two-year project will help CNF renovate and expand facilities to offer a wider range of academic programming and services to meet the growing demand.
CanNor contribution: Up to $325,000
Other funding: CNF: $140,000

Location: Iqaluit, Nunavut
Recipient: Association des francophones du Nunavut (AFN)
Project details:This one-year project is creating a Nunavut hub to provide a wide range of essential services in French, including information on government programs, social services, legal advice, education, employment, and healthcare.
CanNor contribution: Up to $60,000
Other funding: AFN: $15,000