About The North

Canada's three territories – Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon - account for nearly 40 percent of the country's land mass and have a coastline that is twice as long as the Atlantic and Pacific coasts combined. Northerners number about 114,000, with many living in the territorial capitals of Iqaluit, Yellowknife and Whitehorse. Indigenous peoples make up 86 percent of the population of Nunavut, 51 percent in the Northwest Territories and 23 percent in Yukon. The North is a place with many settled land claims, world class geology, fast growing communities and a young population. The rich cultures and traditions of the North are celebrated by all Canadians.

From the development of world-class diamond mines and large oil and gas reserves, to a thriving tourism industry and rich cultures that attracts visitors from around the globe, the North has the potential to become an engine for economic growth for the entire country and a world class destination for investment. The potential for wealth and job creation through resource development in the North is tremendous. Managed in a sustainable manner, Canada's incredible natural resources , including living marine resources such as fisheries, will contribute to the prosperity of Northerners and all Canadians for generations. These resources can and will be a cornerstone of sustained economic activity in the North and a key to building prosperous Indigenous and northern communities.

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) - was established to foster a strong, diversified and sustainable economy for the North that contributes to Canada's prosperity, and supports the social and economic development pillar of the Northern Strategy.

The Agency supports business and community development through its programs and services, champions the interests of the North, and undertakes policy and research. The Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) plays a key role in advancing resource development by providing advice to industry and communities to improve the timeliness, predictability and transparency of regulatory processes around major projects.