Canada's Northern Territories comprise three giant land masses: the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (north of Québec). The economic mainstay for all three territories remains mining - mostly of lead, zinc, silver, gold, copper and diamonds. But there has been some diversification to include energy, tourism (mostly in the Yukon), and artisan production of furniture, clothing and handicrafts.

Canadian diamonds, mostly originating from the Ekati and Diavik Diamond Mines in the Northwest Territories, are promoted as conflict-free diamonds, which means they are guaranteed to be untainted by violence, human rights abuses, child labour or environmental destruction. Investors take note: The quest for diamonds in Canada may very well redefine the Northern - and Canadian - economies in the decades to come.

The vast majority of Canada's Northern Territories are peopled by First Nations' populations (including the Inuit), many of whom still live as their elders did on a subsistence economy. Outside the larger capital cities, most northern communities are located far apart - a fact which further supports this more traditional way of life.

Despite the harsh climate, Canada's North remains a much-coveted - and exciting - frontier for progressive-minded investors with a vision.