CanNor is investing over $1.9 million in four Indigenous-led projects to build new aviation infrastructure, expand business operations, and teach youth about entrepreneurship.
August 10, 2026 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Indigenous organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs provide essential local services and play a vital role in building strong northern economies. When these organizations and individuals thrive, they support resilient communities that enhance Canada's sovereignty and build long-term prosperity in the North.
Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced a contribution of up to $1,982,199 to support four Indigenous-led projects across the Northwest Territories. Delivered through CanNor, this funding will help improve airline infrastructure in the Sahtu Region and advance timber harvesting in Fort Providence. It will also support software upgrades to improve business operations for Yellowknife companies and empower 30 Indigenous youth in the South Slave Region through an entrepreneurship bootcamp.
In combination with the $49.5 million in funding announced in Inuvik today by the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, joined by the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons to upgrade the runway and access road at the Inuvik (Mike Zubko) Airport, in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories, these investments will bolster the North.
By investing in projects like these, the Government of Canada is advancing Indigenous economic participation and fostering a diverse, sustainable northern economy that benefits all Canadians.
