The federal government recognizes the North's economy is changing and diamonds are part of the diversification, GNWT Finance Minister John Todd said.

The budget's focus on education will benefit the North as well, he said.

Blondin-Andrew said the budget could go a long way to alleviating the North's skills deficit.

Student moves included extending education credit to part-time students and a new tax credit for student loans.

Eliminating the employer share of employment insurance premiums on new jobs for youth ages 18-24 will "benefit our young people," Economic Development Minister Stephen Kakfwi said.

Kakfwi said the budget recognizes incremental funding will be needed for two new NWT governments.

Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell said Canadians will benefit from new spending.

"I am particularly happy with that an additional $850 million will go toward increasing the child tax benefit."

Also of interest to Nunavut residents are measures like tax credit for those who care for disabled or elderly family members and increasing the tax deduction for child-care expenses, she said.