On September 26, 2025, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), announced over $1.5 million in funding to support six projects aimed at enhancing tourism in northern Canada. The investment will be used to improve tourism marketing, upgrade small infrastructure, and foster growth and diversification across the region. Projects will be led by organizations including NWT Tourism, the Yellowknife Historical Society, the Hay River Museum Society, Sport Yukon, the Tourism Industry Association of Yukon, and Tutchone Tours.
This funding is part of CanNor’s IDEANorth program, which supports economic infrastructure, sector development, and capacity building to help Northerners benefit from Canada’s innovation economy. The initiatives aim to attract visitors, create new signature events, and strengthen seasonal tourism businesses, helping local communities thrive and small businesses grow. By investing in northern tourism, the Canadian government seeks to position the region as a top destination for domestic and international travellers while supporting sustainable economic development.
Government officials emphasized the broader economic and cultural significance of the investment. Minister Chartrand highlighted the importance of celebrating northern Canada’s unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and on-the-land adventures, noting that the funding supports the development of a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry. Minister Rechie Valdez underscored tourism as a key economic engine, providing employment and opportunities for small businesses while sharing Canada’s stories and culture globally. Local leaders, including Minister Rebecca Alty and Dr. Brendan Hanley, highlighted the benefits for communities and the tourism workforce, emphasizing that the projects will enhance visitor experiences, create jobs, and expand opportunities for year-round attractions in both the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
