CanNor invests up to $1.5 million over three years to support local readiness to participate in defence-related activities in the Inuvik region.
April 15, 2026 - Inuvik, Northwest Territories - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
The Government of Canada continues to strengthen and expand its economic and defence presence in the Arctic. This is creating new opportunities for northern and Indigenous businesses to enhance regional readiness, build supplier networks, and equip local workers with the skills needed to seize emerging employment opportunities.
Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced up to $1.5 million to the Nihtat Gwich'in Council to establish the Nihtat Operations, Readiness & Training Hub (NORTH), which will provide training that prepares local Gwich'in suppliers and workers for procurement and employment associated with anticipated defence activity.
Through NORTH, the Nihtat Gwich'in Council will provide support focused on practical supplier and bid readiness, procurement and document management processes, cybersecurity readiness, and targeted skills training in Inuvik.
By strengthening the ability of local businesses and workers to compete for and deliver contracts, NORTH will help drive significant economic growth while ensuring more of the resulting employment and contracting benefits remain in the North.
