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Friday, March 3, 2017
Mining revenues fall
Mining production is down significantly in the NWT, according to the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
In a news release, the chamber stated that according to figures compiled by Natural Resources Canada, the total value of NWT mining production for 2016 was estimated to be $1.276 billion, down $541 million or 30 per cent from the $1.8 billion figure in 2015. Diamond production value last year was $1.265 billion, down $480 million from 2015.
- John McFadden
Gahcho Kue starts production
De Beers announced that Gahcho Kue diamond mine officially began commercial production on Thursday. The joint venture between De Beers and Mountain Province Diamonds is expected to produce around 54 million carats of rough diamonds over its lifetime. Located 280 kilometres from Yellowknife, the mine opened in September.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Spring Trade Show nearly sold out
The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce has nearly sold out all the booths at their Spring Trade Show. Held at the Multiplex May 13 and 14, the chamber's executive director Deneen Everett said this is the first year it has come close to selling out before April. Of the 184 booths available, at press time there were 23 booths left.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Canadian North expands electronic device policy
Canadian North airline has announced it has expanded the times when passengers aboard its Boeing 737 flights are allowed to use portable electronic devices. In a news release, the company stated that devices can now be used during taxiing, takeoff, climb, approach and landing and can be activated provided they are set to flight mode. Transport Canada granted the approval.
- John McFadden
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Sudden death in Fort Liard investigated
Fort Liard RCMP announced on Feb. 27 they are investigating a sudden death in the community.
According to a news release, RCMP received a report just before noon on Feb. 26 of a person found deceased on a trail near the community hall.
RCMP have not released any information surrounding the circumstances of the death, but have said members of the Northwest Territories RCMP Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Identification Services have travelled to the hamlet in order to assist in the investigation.
Food security spotlighted
Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson has elicited a commitment from Education, Culture and Employment Minister Alfred Moses to review the food security situation for two communities in his riding.
In a Feb. 17 member's statement to the legislative assembly, Thompson addressed the GNWT's income assistance program, which he said offers fixed food rates for each community.
Thompson brought up the example of Jean Marie River, whose residents must travel to Fort Simpson or Hay River to get their food, depending on the time of year, suggesting the GNWT provide a subsidy to communities without stores.
Moses agreed to review the "unique" situation of communities like Nahanni Butte.
Festival royalty switches it up
As residents in the Deh Cho region look forward to the kickoff of the Beavertail Jamboree on March 5, the jamboree committee has announced a fresh new take on its contest for King and Queen.
Winners will be crowned on March 12 based on participation in specific activities throughout the week. The person with the most points at the end of the week will be declared the winner.
Winners of the Prince and Princess contests will be determined based upon ticket sales.
Enbridge pipeline update
Representatives of Enbridge Pipelines held an open house at Fort Simpson's recreation centre on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
The open house, which included a presentation, was intended to inform community members about a proposed plan to replace part of Line 21, which was shut down in November due to erosion on the bank of the Mackenzie River.
The plan is to use horizontal directional drilling technology to replace the affected pipeline segment.
Ownership of Canadian North, Weldco-Beales transferred to IDC
The Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC) has concluded arrangements to transfer ownership of Canadian North and Weldco-Beales Manufacturing directly into the corporation's fold.
The transfer leaves both companies free from external debt and enables IDC to move forward with a growth and profit path, according to a news release.
New board at IRC
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation elected a new board at its meeting late February.
Gerald Inglangasuk was elected vice-chair under Duane Smith and Eddie Dillon was elected the new secretary/treasurer of the board.
Vernon Amos, Jordan McLeod, Jack Akhiaktak and Lawrence Ruben are directors.
Gwich'in academic conference coming soon
The Gwich'in Tribal Council will be hosting The Next 40, a culture, language and spirituality conference in Inuvik late this month.
Youth participants will attend workshops on career development and life skills training, undergraduate and graduate level seminars, research presentations, political roundtables and a number of cultural events.
The conference aims to provide an opportunity for Gwich'in youth to expose themselves to university life.
Gwich'in youth from anywhere in Canada are invited to apply and attend. Transportation, room and board are covered through funding from the GTC and Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
The conference will be held March 27 to 31.
GNWT aims to limit electricity rate increases
The GNWT is hoping to limit electricity rate increases in the territory by ensuring electricity rates fall within target ranges as opposed to rates set at 100 per cent of the actual cost to generate and distribute power to customers.
Strict application of the 100 per cent costing approach results in unstable rates and would create significant rate changes across the territory, stated a news release.
"The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to taking the steps it can to help address the high cost of living Northerners face," stated Glen Abernethy, minister responsible for the public utilities board, in a news release.
"Today's policy direction to the PUB will give them greater ability to set lower electricity rates for non-government customers, shielding them from the full impact of sudden and unexpected electricity rate increases."
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