Vancouver, British Columbia - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together, in collaboration with Indigenous governments and organizations, to advance projects that support local communities, drive sustainable growth and strengthen the northern economy. As the mining landscape in the Northwest Territories continues to evolve, seizing emerging opportunities will be key to building lasting economic benefits for the North and for Canada as a whole.
Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), along with the Honourable Caitlin Cleveland, territorial Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CanNor and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The MOU is designed to support economic development and diversification in the Northwest Territories, focusing on advancing critical minerals and major infrastructure projects.
Under the MOU, both governments will align efforts to support resource development and infrastructure, explore opportunities for more efficient pre-regulatory assistance and coordination for projects, and convene a first-of-its-kind "Northern Indigenous Governments and Development Corporations Project Funding Symposium". Implementation plans and further activities will be identified as the partnership progresses.
The agreement establishes a formal partnership between CanNor and the GNWT and supports shared federal and territorial priorities, including those under Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy and the Building Canada Act. By aligning efforts between both governments, the agreement will enable more effective engagement and collaboration with Indigenous governments and organizations, supporting a stronger Northwest Territories economy.
