CanNor Fosters Community Participation in Mining Sector - Investments help Aboriginal communities benefit from resource development projects in the NWT

YELLOWKNIFE, March 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding that will help communities in the Northwest Territories prepare for major resource development activity in their region.

Funding for three projects will assist communities as they negotiate Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) or Cooperation Agreements with mining companies pursuing major projects in the NWT. The resulting agreements will address employment, training and business opportunities for Aboriginal communities during the construction and operation of the mine.

Quick Facts

• CanNor's investment of $92,715 helped the Tlicho Government successfully negotiate an Impact Benefit Agreement with De Beers Canada Inc. for the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine Project. The IBA was signed on January 27, 2014.
• CanNor's investment of $96,500 will help the Deninu Ku'e First Nation negotiate a Cooperation Agreement with De Beers Canada Inc. for the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine Project.
• CanNor's investment of $117,000 will help the Tlicho Government negotiate an Impact Benefit Agreement with Fortune Minerals Limited for the NICO mine project.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the tremendous opportunities in the North's resource development sector, and supports responsible development that benefits Northerners."

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"The capacity of Aboriginal Governments is supported by these types of investments. These capacity investments are central to strengthening our ability to pursue resource development while we maintain our culture, language and way of life."

Eddie Erasmus
Tlicho Grand Chief

"Without the assistance of CanNor, Deninu K'ue First Nations would not be able to negotiate an agreement with De Beers Canada Inc. This Impact Benefit Agreement is a certain step forward for our First Nation on the road to prosperity, economic independence and long awaited recognition by industry of our traditional territory."

Louis Balsillie
Chief, Deninu K'ue First Nations

Associated Links

Connecting NWT Communities to Opportunities
http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1385156015161/1385156138775

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Jennifer Kennedy
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Christina Gray
Communications Advisor, NWT Region
867-766-8435

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

Tlicho Government
Marjorie Matheson-Maund
Implementation Facilitator, Special Projects
867-766-4003

Deninu K'ue First Nation
Louis Balsillie
Chief
867-394-4335

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca