WHITEHORSE, YUKON--(Marketwire - Oct. 16, 2009) - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) today announced funding for three projects that will help develop Yukon tourism and culture.

Today's announcement of over $1 million is funded under the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which is made possible by Canada's Economic Action Plan. It includes the following projects:

- The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) will receive $715,800 for their Yukon First Nations 2010 project to support the development and delivery of a world-class program that will showcase and celebrate the Yukon's diverse and distinctive First Nations people, culture and industry during the 2010 Winter Games.

- The Yukon government's Path to Investment in Tourism project will receive $245,000 to develop a number of tourism products and tools to promote tourism over several years and contribute to the strengthening of Yukon's tourism marketing efforts.

- The Northern Cultural Expressions Society received $40,000 for strategic planning and visioning to create a venue for the promotion of Yukon artists and their artwork.

"These important projects will attract investment and support Yukon tourism and cultural industries while creating jobs," said Minister Ablonczy. "These investments are another example of our government's commitment to the development and growth of Yukon's diverse and distinct culture."

"Canada is proud to support the role First Nations play in the economic development of the territory and to highlight Yukon as a tourism destination," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, who is Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health.

"This is an exciting event that is supporting participation in the 2010 Olympic Games throughout Yukon First Nations communities," CYFN Grand Chief Andy Carvill said. "It will be a diverse showcase of Yukon First Nation artistry and business opportunities that will generate a legacy of interest in our people and land for years to come."

The SINED program falls under the mandate of CanNor and focuses on long-term economic development in the three territories. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. Promoting social and economic development in the North is one of the four pillars of the Government of Canada's integrated Northern Strategy.

This announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's work to advance an integrated Northern Strategy to exercise Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protect the North's environmental heritage, promote social and economic development and improve and devolve northern governance.

This release and backgrounder are also available on the Internet at http://www.north.gc.ca/mr/nr-eng.asp.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/ and for more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit www.northernstrategy.ca/index-eng.asp

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Yukon Region
Marie-Louise Boylan
Senior Communications Officer
867-667-3854

or

Yukon First Nations 2010
Patti Balsillie, CAE
Director, Marketing & Communications
867-334-2522
patti@navigonet.com

or

Government of Yukon
Karen Keeley
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-667-8304

or

Sundog Carving Studio
Heather Finton
Northern Cultural Expressions Society
867-633-4183

or

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
819-997-0002