On August 18th, 2024, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) celebrated its first 15 years of supporting innovation, sustainability, and diversified economic growth across the North.

Since its creation in 2009, CanNor has worked directly with Northerners, Indigenous Peoples, communities, businesses and organizations, all levels of government and other federal departments to strengthen and diversify the economies of the three territories. Headquartered in Iqaluit, Nunavut, CanNor’s mission is about building strong territorial economies, increasing the prosperity of the North and contributing to Canada’s success as a whole. 

During my extensive travels to all three territories, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that CanNor has on the communities it serves. Over the past 15 years, CanNor invested over $650 million towards more than 2,000 projects for non-profits, Indigenous organizations, other levels of government, businesses, and economic development corporations. 

Since 2016, CanNor has supported Canada’s work to facilitate Inuit representation in Nunavut through Pilimmaksaivik—the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut.  This program has helped increase access to employment for Inuit in the federal government in Nunavut by reducing barriers, increasing recruitment and improving retention.

Since 2010, CanNor’s Northern Project Management Office (NMPO) has supported sustainable and responsible infrastructure and resource development in the territories. NPMO brings together federal departments, businesses and other levels of government to navigate environmental assessment and regulatory review processes. NMPO has collaborated with more than 135 projects and organized 48 Resource Development Agency Advisory Group meetings.

CanNor remains committed to responding to the unique economic opportunities and challenges of the North to support vibrant and thriving communities across the territories for the next 15 years and beyond. It’s an honour to be the Minister responsible for CanNor, and I thank every employee, past and present, for their tireless work in creating more economic opportunities for Northerners.