Yukon Member of Parliament Ryan Leef March 1 said a C$390,951 investment by Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will help promote jobs and opportunities for Yukoners in the mining sector and attract new investment to the territory.
“Attracting new investments in the Yukon’s mining sector and identifying companies that are committed to corporate and social accountability, will help contribute to a strong and sustainable Yukon economy,” Leef said.
CanNor, created to enable northern workers and businesses to take advantage of the economic resources and opportunities that exist where they live, delivers on its exclusive northern mandate through funding programs, providing project management services, leveraging the federal role in the North, serving as a champion for northern interests, and undertaking policy and research.
“The Government of Canada recognizes that attracting investments in this important sector will help contribute to sustainable jobs and growth in the North,” said CanNor Minister Leona Aglukkaq. “Mining and mineral exploration sectors are key employers and contributors to economic development in the Territories. Building capacity in this sector will ensure Northerners have better access to quality training and jobs in their own communities.”
CanNor’s total investment supports three projects that will help Yukoners benefit from increased resource development activity. The three projects include marketing activities to promote increased investment in Yukon’s mining sector, the development and delivery of community mine training awareness workshops and support for the development of a socio-economic partnership agreement between the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation and Kaminak Gold Corp.
“This funding will assist in formalizing our partnership with Kaminak Gold Corp. and bring benefits to our community,” said Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Chief Eddie Taylor. “We are pleased to have CanNor’s support as we work on ensuring meaningful participation of our citizens.”
“Yukon Gold Mining Alliance is pleased to receive this funding for a second year – a sustained effort in marketing Yukon’s mining advantages internationally is critical, especially against the current backdrop of market fluctuation in all sectors,” said John McConnell, chairman of the Yukon Gold Mining Alliance.
“These new workshops will help to create awareness of the challenges and opportunities related to the development or expansion of Yukon's mining industry,” said Sascha Weber, executive director of the Yukon Mine Training Association. “By providing a clear and unbiased picture, participants will have a better understanding of how mining activities may affect their community and the related opportunities for training and employment.”
Investment in this project is made possible through CanNor’s Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity-building across the North.
“Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security,” concluded Aglukkaq.
