Question Period Note: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency - Budget 2023 Funding

About

Reference number:
2023-1
Date received:
Apr 3, 2023
Organization:
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Name of Minister:
Vandal, Dan (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Issue/Question:

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency - Budget 2023 Funding

Suggested Response:

• Budget 2023 continues to invest in the strength of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

• These investments will help promote short- and long-term job creation in the territories.

• $44 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, was announced for CanNor’s flagship program IDEANorth.

• $1.6 million over two years was announced to increase the capacity of CanNor’s Northern Projects Management Office relating to environmental assessments and consultation with Indigenous communities on proposed major projects in the territories.

• CanNor will also receive funding through two initiatives common to all Regional Development Agencies: the Growth of Canada’s Tourism Sector initiative, and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

• I look forward to continuing to support Northerners by delivering on these funding commitments.

Background:

Specifics of funding for the Growth of Canada’s Tourism Sector:

• Continuing support for Canada's tourism sector and helping bolster its recovery is critical.

• To this end, my colleague the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism is working with tourism businesses, provincial counterparts, and Indigenous partners to develop a Federal Tourism Growth Strategy that will plot a course for stability.

• To support this, Budget 2023 proposes $108 million over 3 years, starting in 2023-24, to the Regional development Agencies to support Canada’s tourism sector.

• Funding will support communities, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in developing local tourism projects.

Additional Information:

Specifics of funding for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation:

• REGI is a national program delivered by Regional Development Agencies across Canada to fuel economic growth through innovation and to create more
well-paying jobs for Canadians.

• Budget 2023 proposes to provide $50 million in 2023-24 in renewal funding for the Regional Development Agencies’ REGI program.

• Funds will be allocated across all Regional Development Agencies to support economic development and diversification across the country.