Government of Canada invests in NWT traditional economy

Project will contribute to long-term economic diversification for the Sahtu Region

YELLOWKNIFE, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding for a project that will promote opportunities for employment and skills development training in both the traditional and industrial sectors of the Sahtu regional economy. With increased activity in the resource sector in the region, this project will focus on developing a diversified economy which benefits both traditional and industry sectors, ensuring that those hired in one sector are aware of opportunities in the other sector.

The two-year project is being led by the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board in partnership with local Renewable Resources Councils and the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. CanNor's investment of $185,000 together with partner funding totals $284,000 over two years. The project will identify emerging opportunities in both traditional and industrial sectors and present an action plan to maximize opportunities in both sectors in the years ahead.

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.

Quick Facts

• In 2012-2013 the traditional economy in the Sahtu Region experienced unprecedented growth, driven by the emergence of major overseas markets for Northwest Territories fur.
• Last year 106 Sahtu trappers sold 3,944 pelts which injected a record $725,000 into the local economy. Regional fur sales represented 27% of the total for the NWT.
• There is considerable potential for expanding production in several areas of the traditional economy including subsistence harvesting, trapping, outfitting, arts and crafts and traditional knowledge.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to fund projects that support strong, sustainable and diverse northern communities. This investment recognizes the important contribution that the traditional economy makes to the long-term prosperity of this region."

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

"Exploring ways to strengthen the traditional economy ensures we can work together to take full advantage of the opportunities that are emerging in the Sahtu Region."

David Ramsay
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment - Government of the Northwest Territories.

"The communities and environment of the Sahtu will remain healthy for generations to come if our traditional economy is kept alive."

Michael Neyelle
Chair, Sahtu Renewable Resources Board and President, Délıne Renewable Resources Council

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Image with caption: "Students at Colville School in Colville Lake, Northwest Territories show examples of fur trapped in the region. (CNW Group/Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140205_C7806_PHOTO_EN_36303.jpg

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

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

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

Government of the Northwest Territories, Industry Tourism and Investment
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
867-920-8696

Sahtu Renewable Resources Board
Deborah Simmons
Executive Director
867-588-4040

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

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