Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced a federal investment of up to $2,384,422, delivered by CanNor, to support four unique projects that will help Northern and Indigenous businesses and organizations across the territories diversify, innovate and grow.
$844,422 from CanNor has been approved to support a two-year project by the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation (LKFN), based in Fort Simpson, with a further investment from the LKFN and the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ School for the purchase, shipping and installation of two hydroponic garden systems. The total project cost is $1,103,376. Through this project and the use of innovative and fully automated technology, the community will have a new year-round source of fresh produce to help strengthen regional food security. Unique training opportunities for band members and students will also be offered. Once fully operational, the LKFN hydroponic gardens are expected to produce more than 12,000 pounds per year of produce that will be distributed to community programs and also sold directly to consumers, local businesses, and surrounding communities.
Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation - STLLR Gold (Nighthawk Gold) Solar Energy Project, Northwest Territories
$619,625 from CanNor is supporting a two-year project by the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, the business arm of the Tłı̨chǫ Government, to install a renewable energy generation and storage unit at the Columac Mine Site. The total project cost is $774,543 including an investment from the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation. Project activities include the purchase and installation of a solar power generation and storage unit (solar panels, inverters and batteries) including staff training in the unit's operation and maintenance.
Fortitude Consulting: Closing the Loop - Commodifying Paper Waste, Yukon
CanNor is investing $50,000 in a $100,000 project by Fortitude Consulting, a small, woman-owned consulting business focused on the renewable resources sector and based in Haines Junction. The project is directed at establishing a renewable insulation manufacturing sector in the Yukon. Through that sector, paper or wood waste would be repurposed into cellulose or wood fibre insulation to be used in homes and buildings. This stage of the project will centre on research to understand market dynamics, and explore required equipment, storage, handling, logistics, and packaging that is appropriate for the Yukon.
Cumberland Sound Fisheries, Nunavut
CanNor is investing $890,000 in funding over three years with a further investment from the Government of Nunavut, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Cumberland Sound Fisheries Ltd. (CSFL), a for-profit association 100% owned by Inuit shareholders. The total project cost is $1,924,000. Through this project CSFL will purchase and install a data collection system, develop a community-based science program, and train local Inuit fishers in data collection and analysis. With this funding, a data portfolio for char stock assessments in the Nunavut fishing industry will be developed. CSFL will use innovative research to collect data requested by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to increase quota levels. This project supports economic development in the community of Pangnirtung by providing training and employment.
