Window of Opportunity for Indigenous Business in Yukon

RAB Energy Group partners with CanNor to consolidate operations and create new jobs

WHITEHORSE, YT, Sept 8, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Yukon Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, today announced a two-year investment with RAB Energy Group Inc., reaffirming the Government of Canada's support for Indigenous businesses in Yukon.

RAB Energy, wholly owned by Indigenous development corporations in Yukon, manufactures doors and windows for sale in Canada and international markets. CanNor and RAB Energy have each contributed $560,000 towards modernizing and consolidating production at RAB Energy's main facility in Whitehorse, Yukon from Anchorage, Alaska.

By manufacturing the Northerm brand doors and windows in Whitehorse, RAB Energy will create ten local jobs during the operating season. The upgrades will lower costs and improve the business' competitiveness. In addition, by modernizing operations at RAB Energy, the Indigenous development corporations can further support training and employment opportunities for their respective First Nations. 

Quotes

"Local businesses are the backbone to growing Canada's economy. By collaborating with Indigenous organizations on innovative approaches to job creation and business diversification, we can collectively strengthen the northern economy. Together, we can create jobs and opportunities for Canadians across our Northern communities."

Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"This project with RAB Energy creates jobs for Yukoners and opens the door to more economic opportunities. I am proud to see our government supporting local, Indigenous businesses in Yukon, which in turn puts profits back into our communities."

Larry Bagnell
Member of Parliament for Yukon

"RAB Energy is proud to partner with Government in continuing to develop aboriginal business in Yukon. Through the support of the federal Government RAB Energy is able to grow and hire additional local employees.  We have been operating for 30 years in the Territory and through the current investment will be operating for 30 more."

Paul Gruner
President, RAB Energy Group Inc.

Quick Facts

• RAB Energy is wholly owned by Indigenous development corporations and organizations, including: Dakwakada Development Corporation, Chief Isaac Inc., däna Näye Ventures, Kluane Dana Shäw Corporation (19145 Yukon Inc.), Na-Cho Nyak Dun Development Corporation, White River First Nation, Da Daghay Development Corporation (12028 Yukon Inc.), Carmacks Development Corporation, and Whitehorse Property Management.
• This project is supported through CanNor's Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program, which helps Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs, and businesses maximize economic opportunities and growth in Canada's North.

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency: Krisandra Reid, Communications Advisor, Yukon Region, 867-667-3210; For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca; RAB Energy Group Inc.: Paul Gruner, President, 867-668-5831