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Roll out the dough

David Ryan
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 06/06) - Workers in Yellowknife may be smiling a bit more in 2007 thanks to thicker wallets.

Survey results from a study by pension and benefits consultants Morneau Sobeco show that Canadian workers will likely see the highest salary increase in the last five years.

NNSL Photo/graphic

The Explorer Hotel offers staff housing to help recruit and retain workers from across Canada. Standing on the stairs at the staff housing complex are from left are: Andre Lantz, general manager at the Explorer Hotel, Rachel MacInnes, dining room, Salah Chiter, banquet room, Dean Berry, front desk supervisor and Dan Falck, front desk. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

More than 350 organizations took part in the survey.

In the Northwest Territories, salaries are expected to rise by 3.3 per cent for operation and production staff, and 4.3 per cent for executives.

Salary increases in the Northwest Territories and Yellowknife in particular are slightly higher than the 3.4 per cent Canadian average said, Andre Sauve, spokesperson with Morneau Sobeco.

"It can be difficult to attract people to the North," said Sauve.

Having a competitive salary, along with a number of incentives can be an advantage when it comes to retaining workers, said Andre Lantz general manager at the Explorer Hotel.

"We have to be competitive, the mines offer so much," he said.

Along with a salary comparable to industry standards, the Explorer hotel offers a 20 bedroom staff house with subsidized rent and a free meal during every work shift, said Lantz.

"We always keep looking at new ideas to remain competitive," he said.

There is greater competition to attract workers to the North, said Lynn Elkin, deputy minister with the territorial Department of Human Resources.

The department offers government workers a competitive salary as well as benefits including pension, dental, leave plans, extended health care and Northern allowances, said Elkin.

"We strive to provide a strong package along with our salary."

"It can be hard to recruit," she said.