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INNOVATION AND KNOWLEDGE FUND SUPPORTS SIX YUKON PROJECTS

WHITEHORSE, YUKON (December 29, 2004) - The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Northern Development), that the federal Innovation and Knowledge Fund has recently invested $359,300 in six projects aimed at strengthening and diversifying the Yukon's economy.

"Northerners will have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the innovation and knowledge-based economy that this fund supports," Mr. Bagnell said, "It is wonderful that these projects are supported in each Territory by the Government of Canada's desire to encourage economic growth."

"Through the Innovation and Knowledge Fund, the Government of Canada aims to increase economic development, education, and technological advancement by supporting endeavours by communities, First Nations, businesses and government" said Minister Blondin-Andrew. "Its historical, cultural and enterprising value will be enjoyed for generations to come, not only in the Yukon, but globally as well."

The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) received $85,977 for the development of a Yukon First Nations Community Portal that would serve to provide an integrated website with links to each First Nation's website. A web library/catalogue will be created to illustrate, market and sell various products or services offered by individual First Nations and their members. Customer direct access will be provided for perusing and e-booking or purchasing of tourist activities such as hunting and fishing, arts and crafts products, and First Nations recording artists. Because of the training program that CYFN will provide to participants of each First Nation, employment opportunities for web-site development, enhancements and maintenance are expected to result from this funding along with the economic benefits for artisans and entrepreneurial First Nations' businesses.

An Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Project through the Arctic Athapascan Council has been approved for $85,000 in funding for Phase 1, and will also identify measures meriting more detailed study for Phase 2. The Project will seek to develop an appreciation for measures currently available to Yukon First Nations to secure traditional knowledge IPR associated with local and regional heritage, cultural and genetic resources, both at home and internationally.

The Government of Yukon received $73,266 for the Yukon Innovation Action Plan, a project to diversify the Yukon economy through innovation and to improve Yukon's life style by supporting and encouraging innovation in all sectors of the economy, and by seeking opportunities to promote and incorporate innovation in all economic development initiatives.

The Association franco-yukonnaise received approval for $45,000 for continuation of the Development of Interactive and Multimedia Content and Services Dedicated to Economic and Community Development, started in January of 2004. The project will enable unprecedented outreach to the Francophone as well as to the non-Francophone community of the Yukon, offering innovative content and services for the benefit of both the public and business interests.

Two other Government of Yukon proposals have been approved for 2004/05. They are entitled Local Biophysical Mapping Project, which received $60,057, and Large Landslide Project, with funding amount of $10,000.

The Innovation and Knowledge Fund has been integral to the Government of Canada's commitment to northern economic development and has provided $4.4 million over four years to projects in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut for the enhancement of knowledge and innovation. This is the final year of the Innovation and Knowledge Program.

In the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada made a commitment to develop the first-ever comprehensive strategy for the North that would foster sustainable economic and human development, protect the northern environment and Canada's sovereignty and security, and promote cooperation within the international circumpolar community. These investments support the sustainable economic development goals of the strategy.

For more information, please contact:

Honourable Larry Bagnell
Yukon MP
Constituency Office
204-204 Black Street
Whitehorse, Yukon
(867) 668-6565

Jacine Fox
Strategic Northern Investments Officer
Strategic Investments and Services Directorate
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Yukon Region
(867) 667-3339

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