People in Nunavut's tourism industry to benefit from federal investments in Indigenous tourism and business development

Government of Canada supports small businesses and tourism operators in the Kivalliq region

RANKIN INLET, NU, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - More than 1.8 million people are employed in Canada`s tourism sector, making it one of the largest economic sectors in the country. Within the industry itself, there is a growing focus on Indigenous tourism that has the advantage of offering visitors a unique experience.

The Government of Canada recognizes the value of the Indigenous tourism industry as an economic driver and is committed to working in partnership with Inuit, Métis and First Nations to grow Indigenous tourism businesses. That's why the government is investing more than $786,000 in four projects in Nunavut's Kivalliq region.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor. The funding will support:

• The Turaarvik Co-op Hotel in Rankin Inlet
• The Pitsiulak Co-op Retail and Hotel in Chesterfield Inlet; and
• The Issatik Co-op Hotel in Whale Cove

All three locations will receive funding to significantly expand and modernize their facilities to industry standards. These renovations include expanding the number of rooms, adding new furnishings, improving facilities maintenance and service areas, and upgrading lighting to high-efficiency systems that will reduce demand on each community's power plant.

These facilities are major employers in each community with Turaavik Co-op Hotel employing 19 people, Pitisiulak Co-op Hotel employing 14 staff and Issatik Co-op Hotel employing 23 staff.

CanNor is also investing in the revitalization of Thule Qammaqs (sod houses) archeological sites near the hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet. The sites and their development will serve as a cultural tourism attraction. The project will involve consulting Elders and youth on the development of interpretative signage, as well as identifying options to attract visitors to the site. The development of an Inuit archaeological site provides the hamlet with new tourism and related business opportunities.

Quotes

"In partnership with Indigenous communities, our government is committed to the long-term prosperity of the North. By expanding the tourism industry and supporting Indigenous owned businesses, we are growing the region's economy and creating opportunities in a sector that will continue to create jobs." 

- Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor.

"Indigenous tourism has grown significantly in the last decade and there are unique opportunities to promote it as a cornerstone of Canada's tourism brand. By working in partnership with Inuit in the Kivalliq, we are able to support these hotel renovations and cultural mapping to keep up with the increased needs of visitors in these communities."

- Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"Member Co-ops in the Arctic continue to provide a wide range of products and services to its Members and customers in Northern Canada.  By working with agencies such as the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) in Nunavut, Co-ops continue to grow and expand the Inns North Hotel brand in Northern Canada."

- Jack Ediger, Vice President of Member Management Services, Arctic Co-operatives

"The mapping of these important historical sites will help to preserve Chesterfield Inlet's rich history for generations to come as well as it will work to enhance and preserve the Inuit culture, and the improvements to the Pitsuilak Co-op Retail and Hotel is a welcome change."

- Jimmy Krako, Deputy Mayor of Chesterfield Inlet

Quick Facts

• Tourism is already an important economic driver in Nunavut, adding $300 million to the economy and generating 2,500 jobs every year.
• CanNor is providing $250,000 in funding to Turaarvik Co-op Hotel in Rankin Inlet with Arctic Co-operatives adding $844,800 for a total of $1,094,800.
• CanNor is providing $250,000 to the Pitsiulak Co-op Retail and Hotel with Arctic Co-operatives adding $1,405,000 for a total $1,655,000.
• CanNor is providing $250,000 to the Issatik Co-op Hotel with Arctic Co-operatives adding $2,020,000 for a total of $2,270,000.
• The total investment in renovating all three hotels is $5,019,800.
• In Chesterfield Inlet, CanNor is investing $36,440 for archaeological mapping and cultural development with the Hamlet contributing $9,110 for a total investment of $45,550.

Associated Links  

• Arctic Co-operatives Limited
• Co-operating to Upgrade Fuel Truck Garages in Nunavut

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Follow Minister Joly on Twitter: @cdntourism

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)