Cannor invests in francophone Economic Development
April 14, 2010

Iqaluit, (Nunavut) – The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is supporting the efforts of northern francophone
organizations to stimulate and diversify the economy in Nunavut and across the North. 
 
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development, made the announcement today. 
 
CanNor will invest more than $500,000 in Carrefour Nunavut and the Table de coopération des francophonies Nordiques (Table 867) to support business incubators and tourism development. 
 
“Investments in francophone economic development lead to new markets in business and tourism, creating jobs and encouraging cultural diversity,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Our government is pleased to support the innovative work of both these organizations.”
 
“This investment will reinforce economic growth and opportunity for Northern residents by nurturing a strong small business sector and superior skills and
training development.” said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.
 
"We are honoured by the confidence that CanNor has shown in our initiative. This funding will allow us to move ahead with our projects in tourism
development, and will pave the way for the construction of a multi-functional building that will eventually house a business incubator," said Étienne Denis,
President of Carrefour Nunavut's Board of Directors. "We are confident that, a year for now, we will be able to offer our services in all three of Nunavut's Official Languages."
 
“The Association des francophones du Nunavut is delighted with this new collaboration. This project will enable the Francophone organizations in the three territories to set out the governance framework for Table 867, establish clear operating rules and produce a development plan that is beneficial to the Northern economy. The federal government’s support will help us work together for the development of our communities,” said Réjean Côté, Director General, Association des francophones du Nunavut.

 
CanNor’s investments will support the following:
 
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Agence canadienne de développement économique du Nord

  • A total of $345,000 to Carrefour Nunavut for its Business Incubator project and its Cultural Tourism Development project. 
  • A total of $173,000 to l’Association des francophones du Nunavut, which will coordinate a comprehensive consultation and planning strategy on behalf of the pan-territorial Table 867.  
 
This investment is made possible through Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) and the Economic Development Initiative, part of the “Roadmap of Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future.” Both these programs are administered by CanNor across the three territories. 



Backgrounder - Support for Francophone
Economic Development 
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), on behalf of the Government of Canada, will invest $518,000 in projects to support francophone economic development projects in Nunavut and the North. 

Table de coopération des francophonies Nordiques
CanNor funding : $173,000

L’Association des francophones du Nunavut (AFN) will accept $173,000 in funding from CanNor on behalf of the Table de Coopération des Francophonies Nordiques (also known as Table 867). 

Table 867 is comprised of organizations representing francophone communities in Canada’s three northern territories: the Association
franco-yukonnaise (AFY), the Fédération franco-ténoise (FFT) and the AFN. It was founded to streamline and strengthen the cooperative
efforts of the three northern francophone communities. Northern economic development is a key focus of the group’s mandate.
 
CanNor’s funding will enable Table 867 to finalize its five-year plan. Consultation and planning will be coordinated by the AFN on behalf of Table 867. 


Carrefour Nunavut
CanNor funding: $345,000

CanNor will provide Carrefour Nunavut funding for two economic development projects. The non-profit organization, also known as the Conseil de cooperation du Nunavut, aims to support economic development in Canada, the North, and specifically Nunavut. The group includes mainly French-speaking, Nunavut-based business people, and places particular emphasis on sustainable development and social economy businesses. It supports the promotion of the francophone community in Nunavut, alongside the territory’s diverse population and culture. Carrefour Nunavut will undertake the following projects with CanNor
funding:


Cultural Tourism Development 
$170,000

Tourism is a key sector of the Nunavut economy. To support the development of this sector, the francophone community has the opportunity to attract French-speaking investors and visitors from around the world. CanNor’s investment will help Carrefour Nunavut by:
  • Designing its service offering 
  • Training tourism operators in Nunavut communities 
  • Ensuring the promotion of Nunavut as a tourist destination 


Business Incubator 
$175,000 

CanNor’s investment will support the final planning and design phase of a new multi-building facility for Carrefour Nunavut. Located in downtown Iqaluit, it will include:
  • Business centre and incubator 
  • Restaurant and catering business 
  • Centre for training and counselling 
  • Centre for services in French 
  • Community space 
  • Multi-functional hall 

The business service centre and incubator is intended to support the development of small businesses, a vital part of the territory’s economy. The training centre will provide residents with skills development in the hospitality and tourism sector, as well as an opportunity to learn the French language. Carrefour also plans to  incorporate green energy alternatives into the building. 

 
CanNor programs
CanNor’s Economic Development Initiative

The Government of Canada is providing $400,000 over four years to support the social and economic development of official language minority communities in the North. This is part of the “Roadmap of Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future,” Canada’s strategy for official languages. 
  
   
Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development 

Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) is part of a suite of economic development programs that fall under the mandate of CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy.