Minister Rebecca Chartrand Announces Historic Investment to Train 1200 Indigenous Women and Foster New Businesses Across Northern Canada

The Canadian government is taking a significant step to boost digital skills and entrepreneurship among Indigenous and northern women.

By tackling the high costs and accessibility barriers of training, this initiative aims to open doors for women to thrive in the digital economy.

New Program Targets Northern Opportunities

The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), revealed that up to $1,797,780 will be allocated over three years to support Ampere (formerly the Pinnguaq Association) in launching Northern Horizons, a program designed to strengthen digital skills and entrepreneurship across Canada’s northern territories.

This innovative program focuses on Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon, with the goal of equipping up to 1,200 Indigenous and northern women with essential digital competencies.

By combining training with tools for business development, Northern Horizons aims to empower participants to start new ventures or expand existing ones.

Creating Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs

Ampere expects Northern Horizons to catalyze the creation of at least 30 new businesses, with half of the participants securing or improving employment opportunities.

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Remarkably, 80% of the trainees are anticipated to be Indigenous women, emphasizing the program’s commitment to inclusivity and representation in the rapidly evolving northern economy.

The training will cover a wide range of skills, from digital literacy to entrepreneurial strategies, enabling participants not only to gain confidence in technology but also to leverage these tools to succeed commercially.

Impact and Consequences

This investment highlights the Government of Canada’s dedication to fostering a northern workforce that reflects the region’s diverse population.

By reducing barriers to training and promoting culturally informed programs, the initiative strengthens local economies, nurtures innovation, and addresses gender disparities in the tech sector.

What’s Next?

Ampere plans to begin rolling out the Northern Horizons program immediately, with community engagement sessions to ensure that training aligns with local needs.

Tracking metrics such as employment rates, business launches, and participant satisfaction will be essential to measure success and guide future expansions of similar initiatives across Canada’s territories.

Summary

Canada’s nearly $1.8 million investment in digital skills training for Indigenous and northern women represents a significant effort to cultivate entrepreneurship, create jobs, and build a more inclusive digital economy in the country’s northern territories.

The Northern Horizons program combines practical training with business support, promising real opportunities for women to thrive.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Canada is investing $1,797,780 over three years in digital and entrepreneurial training for Indigenous and northern women.
• Ampere (formerly Pinnguaq Association) will run the Northern Horizons program targeting Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon.
• The program aims to train 1,200 women, with 80% expected to be Indigenous.
• Northern Horizons anticipates launching 30 new businesses and strengthening employment for half of the participants.
• This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to culturally relevant, inclusive programs that boost participation in the northern economy.