Northern communities face unique challenges in accessing fresh, healthy food due to distance, climate, and supply chain issues. Growing and accessing local food strengthens resilience, supports local economies, and ensures communities can handle disruptions from climate change or global trade issues.
At the Food Sovereignty Summit in Ottawa, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced up to $1,753,799 to support five projects in the Northwest Territories.
These initiatives will empower communities with infrastructure and tools to grow, process, and prepare local foods, while also creating new opportunities for growers, harvesters, and food entrepreneurs.
“Supporting food security in the North is central to building strong, healthy communities. Our new government is investing in northern food systems to improve access to local foods and create new economic opportunities. This work helps build a more resilient and self-reliant North for generations to come,” said Minister Chartrand.
The funded projects include:
Infrastructure development for the Black Spruce Education Centre – Norman Wells, NWT. A four-year project led by Black Spruce Education to create spaces for training, small business incubation, and cultural programming. Facilities include a workshop, teaching kitchen, greenhouse, offices, and a café. CanNor contributes up to $1,200,000 (IDEANorth).
Greenhouse Development Initiative – Tsiigehtchic, NWT. Promise for the North will install a modular greenhouse to grow fresh produce year-round, reducing reliance on imported foods. CanNor contributes up to $184,000 (NICI).
Forging Flavour – small-scale food processing hub – Yellowknife, NWT. The Territorial Agrifood Association will establish a shared commercial kitchen for emerging and established businesses, combining rentals with subsidized programming. CanNor contributes up to $170,000 (IDEANorth).
The Channel – Northern Food Hub – Yellowknife, NWT. CS Environmental is developing a hub to showcase northern culinary traditions, with fish processing, storage, distribution, and support for local growers and harvesters. CanNor contributes up to $99,999; GNWT adds $25,000 (NICI).
Fish on the Bay Relocation and expansion – Yellowknife, NWT. This woman-owned business will expand operations, add a fishing vessel, and improve fish processing and storage to meet local demand. CanNor contributes up to $99,800; GNWT adds $53,515 (NICI).
“Access to nutritious, locally produced food is essential to building healthy people and communities across the Northwest Territories. These projects support local entrepreneurs, strengthen regional food systems, and help ensure northern producers have the infrastructure they need to grow and succeed,” said Caitlin Cleveland Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories is proud to support community-driven solutions that reflect northern priorities and build long-term resilience,” said Caitlin.
By supporting local food initiatives, Canada is fostering resilient, thriving northern communities for generations to come.