The federal government is committing up to C$420 000 to bolster mining investment across Canada’s North, aiming to attract domestic and international interest to the region’s resource sector.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced the funding at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2025 Convention this week. 

The investment, delivered through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), will support promotional efforts by the territorial governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories (NWT), and Nunavut to showcase the region’s mineral potential.

“Mining remains a cornerstone of economic and community development in the North,” Anandasangaree said. “By supporting projects that attract a variety of investors, we can secure the future of mining across the territories.”

The funding is part of a broader three-year initiative, with the territories securing additional funds for a total project budget of $630 000. The aim is to strengthen the mining sector through strategic promotional activities at leading industry events.

EXPANDING NORTHERN POTENTIAL
Mining contributes roughly one-third of the GDP in Canada’s North, making it a key economic driver for both local communities and the broader national economy. With global demand for critical minerals rising, Northern leaders see the initiative as an opportunity to amplify their region’s profile on the world stage.

“Yukon's mining and mineral exploration industries are rich with potential, and the government of Yukon is committed to attracting responsible investment that drives growth and benefits Yukoners,” said Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai. “Now, more than ever, investing in the North's critical minerals sector is essential.”

The Northwest Territories is also banking on the initiative to generate economic growth through resource development.

“Mining has long been the backbone of the Northwest Territories' economy, providing jobs, opportunities, and lasting benefits for our communities,” said Caitlin Cleveland, the NWT’s Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. “Attracting investment in critical minerals exploration is key to ensuring that resource development remains a driver of economic growth.”

Nunavut’s Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, David Akeeagok, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative on economic stability.

“This partnership will allow us to attract responsible investment that will positively impact the economic return on mineral extraction,” Akeeagok said. “By strengthening our pan-territorial relations, we can unlock the full economic potential of the North.”

A CRITICAL MINERALS PUSH
The investment comes at a time when Canada is looking to expand its role in the critical minerals supply chain. With growing international demand for key resources used in green technologies, including electric vehicle batteries, federal and territorial governments see Northern Canada as a significant player in securing a stable and sustainable supply of these minerals.

CanNor’s funding is being allocated through the Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) programme, which supports infrastructure, sector development, and capacity building to integrate Northern economies into Canada’s broader innovation landscape.