Yukon MP Larry Bagnell is set to begin work in his new role as parliamentary secretary to Melanie Joly, the minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

“Economic development is important right across the North, the three territories, so I hope to make sure I bring a northern voice to that office,” Bagnell told the Star on Tuesday.

As parliamentary secretary, Bagnell will support Joly in the introduction of legislation to Ottawa and act as understudy during question period when the minister is out of town.

Bagnell said he expects to be busy in this role. Joly’s office is responsible for six regional agencies in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the West and the North.

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is the smallest of these agencies, and Bagnell expects he will take a leadership role there due to his northern expertise and Joly’s busy schedule.

One of the department’s first tasks in January will be CanNor’s call for innovation and infrastructure project proposals, Bagnell said.

There will be a focus on tourism, the digital economy, innovation, cultural industries, mining and First Nations entrepreneurship.

Bagnell said he plans to prioritize projects proposed by female entrepreneurs, youth and rural community members. He will work with local chambers of commerce across the North to receive feedback on the proposals.

CanNor is focusing on four key action areas in this sitting, Bagnell said: a skilled workforce, resource development, economic infrastructure and innovation and diversification.

There are also plans to provide money for housing.

“That’s a big need in the Yukon … and a fundamental need for economic development,” Bagnell said.

Aaffordable housing is a key element of attracting a skilled workforce, he added.

Bagnell said he believes his career-long experience in economics makes him well-suited for the position in the Economic Development department, and he looks forward to utilizing that experience through a northern lens.

“There’s different opportunities and challenges in the North; it’s not like trying to set up a business … in Toronto,” he said.

“I think there is a bit of a lack of understanding in eastern Canada of what happens in the Far North, but also, the present government is very sensitive.”

Bagnell said the slate of federal ministers have made a good attempt to understand northern issues so far, and he plans to continue lobbying for infrastructure support from Ottawa.