Open
Source verified June 5, 2026
True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough
Supports Indigenous participation in northern Quebec mining sectors
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nord-du-Québec, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough aims to increase Indigenous participation in major mining projects in Northern Quebec by supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship, and asset enhancement, though no specific maximum funding amount is specified. Eligible activities include labour market training, business development, supply chain integration, and support for Indigenous business directories.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nord-du-Québec
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of labour profiles and identification of training needs to increase Indigenous employment in the mining sector.
- Strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship by identifying business opportunities with mining companies and creating a directory of Indigenous businesses.
- Facilitating the acquisition or creation of Indigenous-owned businesses that supply goods and services for the mining industry.
- Supporting negotiation and implementation of Impact and Benefits Agreements (IBAs) between Indigenous communities and mining companies.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses
- Companies providing goods and services for the mining industry
- Organizations involved in northern development, particularly in the Labrador Trough
Eligible expenses
- Costs associated with developing labour profiles to assess Indigenous workforce capacities.
- Expenses for training programs aimed at aligning community skills with mining industry needs.
- Costs related to establishing or acquiring businesses providing goods and services to the mining sector.
- Fees for creating and maintaining directories to connect Indigenous businesses with industry and government opportunities.
- Negotiation and implementation expenses related to impact and benefits agreements (IBAs) with mining companies.
Eligible geographic areas
- Indigenous communities in Quebec, notably those near the mining sites in the Labrador Trough (including the Innus, Naskapis, and Inuits).
- Other Indigenous communities in Quebec potentially benefiting from mining spinoff in the Labrador Trough.
How to apply
- Step 1: Identify Participation Opportunities
- Review the available economic development programs related to Indigenous entrepreneurship, labour force, and assets enhancement.
- Determine which specific component(s) of the True North Treasure Initiative align with your project or business objectives.
- Step 2: Register Your Business (for Entrepreneurs)
- Sign up for the Indigenous Business Directory through the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) or the First Nations of Quebec Business Network (FNQBN).
- Provide required business information to increase your visibility and access to opportunities in the mining supply chain sector.
- Step 3: Consult Program Partners
- Contact relevant partners such as Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), FNQLEDC, or the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ) for specific application instructions and support.
- Step 4: Prepare Required Documentation
- Gather all necessary documents as required by the specific program you are applying to (e.g., project proposals, labour profiles, business plans).
- Identify training and partnership opportunities that support your participation in the mining sector of the Labrador Trough.
- Step 5: Submit Your Application
- Submit your application and supporting documents as directed by the program or partner organization.
- Follow the outlined process provided by the contacted partner for formal application submission.
Additional information
- The initiative emphasizes the creation and sharing of an Indigenous Business Directory to increase visibility and opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Partnerships between Indigenous organizations, governmental bodies, and industry partners are integral to achieving the program’s objectives.
- Impact and Benefits Agreements (IBAs) are used to formalize negotiations between Indigenous communities and mining companies regarding mining spinoffs.
- The initiative references additional economic development programs that participants may consult for complementary support.
Frequently Asked Questions about the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough Program
What is the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough?
The True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough aims to increase Indigenous participation in major mining projects in Northern Quebec by supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship, and asset enhancement, though no specific maximum funding amount is specified. Eligible activities include labour market training, business development, supply chain integration, and support for Indigenous business directories.
Who is eligible for the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough program?
To be eligible for the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough program, you must:
Indigenous-owned businesses in Quebec
Businesses providing goods or services for the mining industry
What expenses are eligible under True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough?
Development of labour profiles and identification of training needs to increase Indigenous employment in the mining sector.
Strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship by identifying business opportunities with mining companies and creating a directory of Indigenous businesses.
Facilitating the acquisition or creation of Indigenous-owned businesses that supply goods and services for the mining industry.
Supporting negotiation and implementation of Impact and Benefits Agreements (IBAs) between Indigenous communities and mining companies.
Where is the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough available?
The True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough program is available Nord-du-Québec, Quebec.
Is the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough a grant, loan, or tax credit?
True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough?
True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough is funded by Government of Canada