Backgrounder - Support for Francophone Economic Development

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), on behalf of the Government of Canada, will invest $518,000 in projects to support francophone economic development projects in Nunavut and the North.

Table de coopération des francophonies Nordiques
CanNor funding : $173,000

L’Association des francophones du Nunavut (AFN) will accept $173,000 in funding from CanNor on behalf of the Table de Coopération des Francophonies Nordiques (also known as Table 867).

Table 867 is comprised of organizations representing francophone communities in Canada’s three northern territories: the Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY), the Fédération franco-ténoise (FFT) and the AFN. It was founded to streamline and strengthen the cooperative efforts of the three northern francophone communities. Northern economic development is a key focus of the group’s mandate.

CanNor’s funding will enable Table 867 to finalize its five-year plan. Consultation and planning will be coordinated by the AFN on behalf of Table 867.

Carrefour Nunavut
CanNor funding: $345,000

CanNor will provide Carrefour Nunavut funding for two economic development projects.

The non-profit organization, also known as the Conseil de cooperation du Nunavut, aims to support economic development in Canada, the North, and specifically Nunavut. The group includes mainly French-speaking, Nunavut-based business people, and places particular emphasis on sustainable development and social economy businesses. It supports the promotion of the francophone community in Nunavut, alongside the territory’s diverse population and culture.

Carrefour Nunavut will undertake the following projects with CanNor funding:

Cultural Tourism Development
$170,000

Tourism is a key sector of the Nunavut economy. To support the development of this sector, the francophone community has the opportunity to attract French-speaking investors and visitors from around the world. CanNor’s investment will help Carrefour Nunavut by:

• Designing its service offering
• Training tourism operators in Nunavut communities
• Ensuring the promotion of Nunavut as a tourist destination

Business Incubator
$175,000

CanNor’s investment will support the final planning and design phase of a new multi-building facility for Carrefour Nunavut. Located in downtown Iqaluit, it will include:

• Business centre and incubator
• Restaurant and catering business
• Centre for training and counselling
• Centre for services in French
• Community space
• Multi-functional hall

The business service centre and incubator is intended to support the development of small businesses, a vital part of the territory’s economy. The training centre will provide residents with skills development in the hospitality and tourism sector, as well as an opportunity to learn the French language. Carrefour also plans to incorporate green energy alternatives into the building.

CanNor programs

CanNor’s Economic Development Initiative

The Government of Canada is providing $400,000 over four years to support the social and economic development of official language minority communities in the North. This is part of the “Roadmap of Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future,” Canada’s strategy for official languages.

Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development

Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) is part of a suite of economic development programs that fall under the mandate of CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy.