Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I am pleased to be here to discuss the supplementary estimates (B) for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency—CanNor.
I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to give you a brief overview of our work to advance economic development in Canada's three territories.
This year CanNor will deliver about $37 million in contribution programs and services to foster economic development in the north. Since 2009 CanNor has invested over $208 million in approximately 950 projects. Many of these projects are funded through CanNor's two key contribution programs: the strategic investments in northern economic development program and the northern aboriginal economic opportunities program.
To fully align with the federal framework for aboriginal economic development, CanNor has streamlined and harmonized its aboriginal economic development programming under this northern aboriginal economic opportunities program, which was launched on April 1, 2014. This program is opportunity-driven, focused on results, and geared towards maximizing economic opportunities for aboriginal communities and businesses.
Overall, these investments may be modest, but they have an important impact on the economy of the north.
CanNor's northern projects management office, or NPMO, plays a key role in working with both industry and communities to advance responsible resource development in the three territories. The NPMO shepherds resource projects through the regulatory process in a way that anticipates and addresses challenges. The NPMO coordinates all federal regulators to ensure the timeliness, transparency, and predictability of regulatory efforts while overseeing the crown's aboriginal consultations.
The agency also puts significant effort towards building a skilled and representative workforce in the north.
In 2012 we launched the northern adult basic education program, a five-year program to give northerners who have not completed high school access to basic literacy, numeracy, and workplace skills that will help them participate in the labour market as the economy grows. This program is delivered through the territorial colleges. In its first two years of operation, it offered more than 135 programs to over 1,900 adult learners.
We're also investing $5.6 million over four years to help establish a centre for northern innovation in mining in Yukon to deliver the education and training required for skilled jobs in the mining and exploration sectors. The centre will be a one-stop shop, a state-of-the-art education and training facility for people beginning a career in the mining industry as well as for those who want to upgrade their skills. lt will help address labour shortages in the mining sector in Yukon and in the north.
The funding of just over $975,000 received through supplementary estimates (B) is part of CanNor's four-year investment in capital support to the college. This amount represents the second year of funding for this program to the college.
This funding is matched by the Yukon government and used for the construction and renovation of buildings at Yukon College's main campus in Whitehorse and for the purchase of mobile training facilities and equipment. The new centre is expected to provide the territory with up to 520 accredited trades, mining, and apprenticeship graduates, plus 710 students will be able to complete shorter courses, such as safety training.
The balance of our estimates received is to cover a small cost of compensation adjustments over the fiscal years.
Mr. Chair, I have only touched on a few examples of how CanNor helps to foster a strong, diverse and sustainable economy across the three territories.
We see ourselves as a key player and partner in providing a foundation for a prosperous economic future for those who live, work, and support their families in the north.