Question Period Note: CanNor Accomplishments & Recent Investments Supporting Nunavut

CanNor Accomplishments & Recent Investments Supporting Nunavut

March 2026, across the Territories, CanNor invested more than $147.9 million towards 141 projects fostering short and long-term economic development and sector diversification. These investments are estimated to create more than 1200 jobs across the Territories.

NUNAVUT:
• In Nunavut, CanNor provided nearly $33.9 million across 42 projects in 2025-2026.

• Of the projects supported in Nunavut, over $33.3 million was allocated to 38 projects led or majority-led by Indigenous recipients.

Background:
• CanNor’s investments attracted more than $126M in investments from private entities, other governments and other government departments

• Of these, $39.2 million was provided through CanNor’s flagship IDEANorth program, supporting capacity and skills development and economic infrastructure.

• Additionally, this fiscal year, CanNor has allocated over $65.8 million in funding across more than 89 projects to Indigenous-led organizations.

• The North is not a distant frontier; it is central to Canada's security, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity. The territories sit at the heart of Arctic sovereignty, climate resilience, and nation-building. As Canada's regional development agency for the North, CanNor plays a critical role in strengthening the economic foundations that support Canada's presence and preparedness in this pivotal region.

• While Nunavut continues to face significant economic challenges related to infrastructure deficits, housing shortages, broadband gaps, and labour market constraints, the territory also presents strong long-term growth potential through major energy, transportation, and port infrastructure projects particularly in the context of recent federal Arctic and defence investment announcements focused on strengthening trade-enabling and defence-supporting infrastructure across the North.

• CanNor continues to invest in key areas with significant potential to contribute to economic growth, including:
o a skilled northern workforce;
o major infrastructure projects;
o sustainable development of the mining and energy sectors; and
o economic diversification and innovation.

Examples:
• CanNor invested over $4M to support West Kitikmeot Resources Corp. in completing development-phase activities required to advance the Grays Bay Road and Port project through regulatory review.

• CanNor invested $2M over two years to the Pairijiit Tigumiaqtikkut [pair-ee-jeet tee-goo-meeak-teek-oot] Society in Iqaluit to assist with the construction of an elders’ home in Iqaluit so that Nunavut elders can age comfortably in their community.

• CanNor invested $1.9M to the Gjoa Haven Hunter to establish a country foods processing facility in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.