MP Michael McLeod announces support for business innovation and economic growth in the Northwest Territories

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing over $210,000 to help businesses in the Northwest Territories (NWT) capitalize on new economic opportunities

YELLOWKNIFE, NT, Feb. 1, 2023 /CNW/ – Building a strong economy means helping businesses adapt, grow and seek new economic opportunities. In the Northwest Territories (NWT), Indigenous and Northern businesses are building a way forward through creativity, new ideas and innovation and the diversification of our economy, and the Canadian government is making targeted investments to support businesses and create good jobs that count the northerners can leave .

Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honorable Dan Vandal, Secretary of State for Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced investments of over $210,000 provided by CanNor to support three projects that promote economic development in NWT. Projects funded are Metcor Inc.’s development of an action plan to maximize opportunities for indigenous people to participate in northern reclamation projects, Kasteel Construction and Coatings Inc.’s initiative to improve skilled trades training in NWT, and the Northwest Territories’ government (GNWT) Geological Survey’s assessment of geological material for cement production.

Federal investment supports projects in NWT

Funding for these three NWT initiatives, led by corporations, community organizations and Indigenous economic development companies, contributes to the economy of NWT and supports innovation across multiple economic sectors. Through these projects, NWT companies will be able to create jobs for workers and explore future opportunities for economic growth.

quotes

“Innovation and economic growth in the Northwest Territories depend on the creativity, leadership and dedication of entrepreneurs, community groups and Indigenous economic development organizations. Through CanNor, our government is providing direct support on the ground to spur economic growth and create good jobs for workers and promote long-term economic sustainability.”

The story goes on

– The Honorable Dan Vandal, Minister for Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor

“Supporting NWT companies helps them create and build new economic opportunities. Strong and resilient economic development depends on strategic investments like these that help diversify local economies, create good jobs and provide opportunities for indigenous economic development that support economic reconciliation.”

– Michael McLeod, MP for the Northwest Territories

“Our ongoing work to diversify the Northwest Territories’ economy includes using science and innovation to maximize the benefits of the vast geological resources we have in the Territory, as well as supporting local initiatives to improve and expand businesses. Our leading geoscientists have identified a potential indigenous solution. I am also pleased that this will allow local companies not only to improve the skill levels of their employees, but also to support others in their sectors with training opportunities and an understanding of how to get out of areas of the world Economic growth can capitalize on the kind of thinking and creativity we need to help our economy grow, and we thank our partners CanNor and the University of Alberta for bringing us closer to our goals.”

– Minister Caroline Wawzonek, Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Investment

“Kasteel is focused on taking care of our communities and helping the people of the North to thrive. The people of the north must educate the people of the north wherever possible such northerners directly at home. We are truly grateful for CanNor’s support as we continue to create more growth opportunities in the North.”

– Trevor Kasteel, President of Kasteel Construction and Coatings Inc.

“The North Slave Metis Alliance is proud to have participated in the development of the initiative to develop a strategy to increase Aboriginal participation in northern reclamation projects. This initiative is in line with our culture and values of preserving the natural environment and restoring the land to its pristine natural state. We are very grateful for CanNor’s support in our quest to ensure all mines have a successful life cycle through to full and complete rehabilitation.”

– John Hazenberg, Head of Business Development, North Slave Metis Alliance