Government of Canada Supports Northern Francophone Business

Francophone Associations recruit workers to help northern businesses grow and thrive

WHITEHORSE, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Today, the Honourable Minister Navdeep Bains  announced a three year investment of $305,000 to three northern Francophone community associations  that are working together to support the recruitment and retention of Francophone workers to Canada's North.  

The Association franco-yukonnaise, the Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest, and Carrefour Nunavut are developing and executing a strategic recruitment plan to attract Francophone workers to northern communities in the territories. This initiative will help fill positions in business sectors with identified labour gaps, while strengthening Francophone communities in the North.

Quick Facts

• Over three years, CanNor is investing a total of $240,000 through the Economic Development Initiative, and an additional $65,000 under the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development Program.  The Association franco-yukonnaise is contributing a total of $14,500, the Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest $15,000, and Carrefour Nunavut is contributing $40,250.

Quotes

"This coordinated effort by the three Francophone associations will enable northern businesses to focus on key economic sectors of the economy which will in turn help drive clean economic growth in the North."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor

"Supporting this recruitment campaign contributes to vital, diverse and prosperous Francophone communities in the North and fosters the growth of Canada's official languages in our communities from coast to coast to coast." 

Larry Bagnell
Member of Parliament, Yukon

"We are very pleased about this opportunity, which will help us strengthen both our local businesses and the Francophone presence in the three territories. This investment from CanNor will enable us to facilitate the recruitment of bilingual workers to meet the needs of local labour markets."

Angélique Bernard
President of the Association franco-yukonnaise, coordinating on behalf of the three partner organizations

Associated Links  

Economic Development Initiative                
CanNor investments foster strong and diversified local business community

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

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

please contact: Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Rebecca McDonald, Communications Advisor, NT Region, 867-669-2592; Association franco-yukonnaise, Nancy Power, Communications & Community Relations Director, 867-668-2663 ext. 332