October 30, 2024 — Dawson City, Yukon — Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Small businesses across the North are providing unique high-quality products while boosting community growth, providing good jobs and contributing to regional and territorial economic development.

Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced a federal investment of nearly $100,000 in Northern Garments Inc., a Dawson City-based small business widely known as SKOOKUMbrand.

Through this two-year project, SKOOKUMbrand will upgrade its production equipment to include computer-aided design technology so it can build capacity and meet increasing demand for its award-winning custom-made winter clothing. This investment will also support the purchase of small capital equipment to enhance productivity at the rural worksite and help address challenges with staff recruitment. Additionally, this project includes upgrades to the company’s website to increase its reach and expedite order processing. 

The Government of Canada is supporting small business growth across the North. Investing in territorial entrepreneur and innovator ecosystems supports dynamic and strong economies and provides benefits to Yukoners and Northerners alike.