Government of Canada to collaborate with territorial and Indigenous partners and stakeholders to develop the strategy
IQALUIT, Jan. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is seeking input from territorial and Indigenous governments, industry, Indigenous communities and organizations, and academia to develop a Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to grow the economy, attract investment, and create middle class jobs for Northerners and all Canadians.
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced the launch of an engagement process through online consultation as well as in-person roundtables.
The Growth Strategy will work in alignment with the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF), and will contribute to the implementation of the economic elements of the Framework in the three territories over a five-year period. The strategy will focus on identifying strategic investment priorities in order to build capacity and position the North for long term economic prosperity.
The discussions will focus on four areas of action: resource extraction sectors; infrastructure investments and development; economic diversification and innovation, including tourism; and skilled workforce. Feedback obtained through this engagement process will inform the development of the Pan Territorial Growth Strategy focused on targeted initiatives across these action areas.
The development of the strategy follows an announcement by Minister Bains in April 2017 which outlined how each of Canada's six Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) would prepare an economic growth strategy aimed at seizing business and job growth opportunities created by the innovation economy.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada recognizes that to compete in the global market we must build on past achievements, address challenges and embrace new economic opportunities that position the country for the future. CanNor's engagement process will support collaboration among territorial and Indigenous partners and align the strategy with the unique advantages of the North."
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor
"Our government is committed to developing the full economic potential of Canada's North. Consultations on a pan-territorial growth strategy will help us build strong and inclusive partnerships for the benefit of Northerners and indeed all Canadians."
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
"The Government of Canada's engagement process and consultations with Northern partners and stakeholders is an important step in the development of a strategy that will aid collaboration to focus efforts on advancing territorial strengths. Harnessing the power of Yukon's bright minds is key to finding innovative solutions that will bolster economic diversification and foster long-term sustainable growth in the North."
Larry Bagnell
Member of Parliament for Yukon
"Through this engagement process, we will be able to think boldly and work together to contribute to the Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy that will position the North for future prosperity. The Northwest Territories have a lot to offer in providing new opportunities to do business and in finding innovative ways to support the economic prosperity of our country."
Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories
Quick Facts
- All territories have a younger population than Canada as a whole; over 60% of the population is under the age of 40.
- The territorial Indigenous population includes more than 20,000 First Nation, 4,500 Métis, and 34,400 Inuit.
- The three territories are home to just over 4,400 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as of 2015.
Associated Links
SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
media may contact: Dani Keenan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-1710; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]; Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, CanNor, 867-975-3722, [email protected]; Stay connected, Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @ISED_CA
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