Home : Community Economic Development : Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement
Announced in October 2002, the five-year, $20 million agreement will help northern Canadians improve regional economic infrastructure, employment prospects (through training and practical skill experience), educational and business expertise. It will also increase research and industry innovation, and improve the region's ability to attract business investment.
The agreement will provide funding for projects that address five strategic priorities:
Eligible applicants include:
Commercial businesses or commercial activities are only eligible for funding if the northern community benefits substantially and the activity is consistent with the objectives and strategic priorities of the agreement. Other groups, such as boards, committees and First Nations organizations are encouraged to apply through a legal entity.
Promotion and support for sustainable communities in the West is one of WD's three ongoing strategic priorities, in addition to innovation and entrepreneurship. The development and diversification of northern economies is an important part of our commitment to help ensure sustainable communities in Western Canada.
The Northern Development Agreement includes funding of $20 million over a five-year period, cost shared equally by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. WD will help administer and manage the NDA as a member of the Northern Development Agreement tripartite management committee.
The other members of the management committee are Saskatchewan Northern Affairs and the Northern Development Board Corp. (NDBC), made up of representatives from the Prince Albert Grand Council, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North), as well as the Athabasca Economic Development and Training Corp.
As of October 2005 just over $7 million has been announced to support 19 projects under the Northern Development Agreement . In addition to a broad range of training to employment programs, other initiatives supported through the Agreement have included improvements to the Athabasca seasonal road, research into value-added woodland products and expansion of high-speed Internet service to more than 30 northern communities.
Dean Desjarlais
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Development Board
Box 660
La Ronge, Saskatchewan
S0J 1L0
Telephone: (306) 425-2444
Fax : (306) 425-2288
E-mail: ceo.ndbc@sasktel.net