http://www.north.gc.ca/index-eng.asp () -
Residents and businesses in the Tlicho Region will have new employment opportunities and improved air transportation facilities in Behchoko thanks to an investment by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
Today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), announced a federal investment of more than $1.1 million for improvements to the existing Behchoko airport facility.
"Our Government is proud to contribute to these upgrades that will create job opportunities in the region, reduce the cost of travel, and improve safety. The updated facility will help diversify the region's economy by cultivating the development of a regional air-freight shipping business," said Minister Duncan, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians.
"This expansion and improvement project will create both short and long term employment opportunities related to project management, construction, and ongoing facility operations and maintenance," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health.
The Tli Cho Investment Corporation (TIC), the business arm of the Tlicho Government, will receive $1,121,759 towards upgrades to lighting, fencing, and the terminal at the existing facility. The TIC will contribute a further $232,000, for a total of $1,354,000. The facility is run as a non-profit enterprise by the TIC.
Funding for this project was made possible through CanNor's Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the CAF is a two-year $1 billion national program that provides economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs in communities impacted by the global recession. The fund will provide $32.8 million to Northern Canada.
The CAF is one of a suite of economic development programs that fall under the mandate of CanNor in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. Promoting social and economic development in the North is one of the four pillars of the Government of Canada's integrated Northern Strategy.
For copies of CanNor news releases, visit: http://www.cannor.gc.ca (http://www.cannor.gc.ca) .
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit and for more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit www.northernstrategy.ca/index-eng.asp (http://www.northernstrategy.ca/index-eng.asp) .
