1.1.11.7

Description: 
Researching the feasibility of creating a Northern Centre of Excellence to promote and support research, innovation, and use of traditional Indigenous knowledge, and foster partnerships with universities, governments and other organizations.
Lead Dept: 
ENR
ECE
Priority: 
1.1
Parent Commitment: 
1.1.11
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Economy and Environment
Number: 
7
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Economy and Environment
Background Information: 

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.11 – We will develop and foster the knowledge economy by:
Researching the feasibility of creating a Northern Centre of Excellence to promote and support research, innovation, and use of traditional Indigenous knowledge, and foster partnerships with universities, governments and other organizations.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is uniquely positioned to explore innovative opportunities for diversifying the NWT economy through development of a Knowledge Economy. Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) has been working with other departments to develop a proposal for a Northern Centre for Sustainability and Community Resilience which will promote a Knowledge Economy in the NWT by:

  • Developing and leading a hub of expertise to provide leadership on practical issues;

  • Producing and exporting products and services that foster a prosperous and competitive NWT;

  • Promoting innovation and creating the space to explore creative and novel ways to address complex challenges; and

  • Promoting the NWT as a preferred jurisdiction for conducting applied Northern research.

The GNWT is currently working toward a feasibility study around the creation of a Northern Centre for Excellence and will be conducting internal engagement soon, followed by external engagement with partners, including Indigenous governments and organizations, Canada, academic institutions, industry and the business sector.