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Marine Transportation Services announces 2025 cargo rates

May 8, 2025

Marine Transportation Services (MTS) has set its cargo rates for customers for the 2025 sailing season, with a focus on simplifying and standardizing pricing.

Key changes for 2025 include:

  • General rate adjustment: All general cargo rates have been adjusted for the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI).
  • Simplified rate structure: Category-specific rates have been removed. All cargo will now be billed under the general cargo rate, based on the actual size and weight of the shipment.
    • In previous seasons, MTS used a quantity billing system whereby, for example, all snowmobiles would have been charged at the same rate regardless of size and weight. In 2025, customers will be billed by revenue tonne, meaning that those shipping smaller snowmobiles will pay less than those shipping larger snowmobiles.
  • Standardized container pricing: Rates for containerized cargo are now based on standard exterior container dimensions of 20 feet long by 8 feet wide by 8 feet 6 inches high, ensuring consistency and pricing transparency.
    • This change of approximately 4% on containers only will correct historical undercharging for this category. It was previously based on a smaller, inaccurate container size.

These updates are designed to streamline the billing system and make it more equitable for all MTS customers.

Cut-off dates for cargo acceptance will be announced at a later date. To ensure the success of the 2025 sailing season, MTS staff are developing contingency plans on potential obstacles to operations and working with the hydrology team at the Department of Environment and Climate Change to monitor water levels.

For media requests, please contact:

Infrastructure Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca

NT4

NTI Launches a Call for Proposals for the Uqausirngaq Fund to Support Inuktut Revitalization

(May 7, 2025 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) president Jeremy Tunraluk is pleased to announce the 2025–2026 Uqausirngaq Fund Call for Proposals, an Inuit led initiative funded by the Government of Canada to support the protection, reclamation, revitalization, and maintenance of Inuktut across Nunavut and beyond.

“A key priority in Inungnik Makipalliatittiniq 2025-2029, NTIs four year strategic priorities, is Inuktut for All Time – ensuring that Inuktut is thriving amongst Nunavut Inuit,” says President Tunraluk. “And providing access to language funding will help us to achieve this goal”.

Proposals must demonstrate how activities will serve a majority Nunavut Inuit population and support one or more of the Fund’s priority areas, including:
1. Inuktut Media and Arts
2. Inuktut Education
3. Inuktut Language Skills Development
4. Inuktut Community Programming
5. Inuktut Language Documentation

Projects must be completed by March 31, 2026, and align with the goal of increasing access to Inuktut language resources, learning opportunities, and cultural programming for Nunavut Inuit.

Proposals will be accepted until Friday, May 30, 2025. For more information on eligibility, proposal guidelines, and submission details, please visit www.tunngavik.com or email uqausirngaq@tunngavik.com.

-30-

Media Contact:
Ivaluarjuk Merritt
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
media@tunngavik.com

NT4

Burgundy Diamond Mines releases 2024 Socio-Economic Report

Burgundy Diamond Mines Limited (ASX:BDM) today announced the release of its 2024 Socio-Economic (SEA) Report, highlighting the company’s achievements and progress in the areas of safety, operations and social impact, in relation to Ekati Diamond Mine.

The annual report articulates Burgundy’s commitment to aligning business practices and a mutual objective to provide economic benefits to the North, under the Mineral Resources Act requirements with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

“This report underscores our commitment to responsible mining, the collaborative relationships we maintain with our northern stakeholders and the government, and our contributions to communities through donations, sponsorships and employment opportunities,” said Kim Truter, CEO of Burgundy Diamond Mines. “As the largest G7 producer of natural diamonds, we will also continue to actively manage the environmental footprint associated with our operations and govern our business in a transparent, ethical and accountable manner, to the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

2024 Socio-Economic Highlights:

  • Contributed $5.1 million across Canada’s North through Impact Benefit Agreement payments, community donations and sponsorships.
  • Employed 1,242 individuals, including 700 employees and 542 contractors; 28% were northern, of which 60% were northern Indigenous.
  • Spent $431 million on business expenditures of which 68% was spent with Indigenous partners and other northern businesses; Indigenous spend accounted for 49% of Burgundy’s total spend.
  • Invested in people through safety programs, training and apprenticeships, among other initiative; 51 individuals were recognized for their innovative ideas to improve safety across our operations.
  • Cemented Burgundy’s position as the largest G7 producer of natural diamonds, supplying 4% of global rough diamonds.
  • Achieved 100 million carats mined over 26 years of ongoing production at Ekati Diamond Mine.

To view the full report please visit www.burgundydiamonds.com/reports-resources/.

Note: All figures presented in this release are in Canadian dollars and include performance results and metrics across all of Burgundy’s operations, including Ekati Diamond Mine, the company’s rough diamond sales office in Antwerp, Belgium and diamond cutting and polishing facility in Perth.

Ekati Diamond Mine aerial view.

About Burgundy Diamond Mines Limited

Burgundy Diamond Mines is a premier independent global scale diamond company focused on capturing the end-to-end value of its unique vertically integrated business model. Burgundy’s innovative strategy is focused on capturing margins along the full value chain of the diamond industry, including mining, production, cutting and polishing, and the sale of diamonds. By building a balanced portfolio of diamond projects in favourable jurisdictions, including the globally ranked Canadian mining asset, Ekati, and a diamond cutting and polishing facility in Perth, Burgundy has unlocked access to the full diamond value chain. This end-to-end business model with total chain of custody provides traceability along every step of the process, with Burgundy able to safeguard the ethical production of the diamonds from mining to marketing and discovery to design. Burgundy was founded in Perth, Western Australia. The company is led by a world-class management team and Board.

Caution regarding Forward Looking Information
This document contains forward looking statements concerning Burgundy Diamond Mines Limited. Forward looking statements are not statements of historical fact and actual events and results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Forward looking statements in this document are based on Burgundy’s beliefs, opinions and estimates as of the dates the forward-looking statements are made, and no obligation is assumed to update forward looking statements if these beliefs, opinions or estimates should change or to reflect other future developments.

NT5

Tenants struggle with NWT’s market housing rent hike – Cabin Radio

May 8, 2025

Weeks after tenants began receiving notice of an increase, the GNWT confirmed rates for market rental units operated by Housing NWT are going up.

Units in the Market Housing Program are a form of public housing offered in the territory’s smaller communities.

The price hike will make the cost of a bachelor unit $1,202 per month and a three-bedroom unit $1,938 per month, though the GNWT said rates may vary slightly. (The rates prior to the change were not immediately available. The new rates are listed on the territory’s website.)

Read More: https://cabinradio.ca/236250/news/politics/tenants-struggle-with-housing-nwts-market-housing-rent-hike/

Fox tests positive for rabies in Baker Lake

May 7, 2025

The Department of Health is advising Baker Lake residents that a fox found near the 8th Crescent area of Baker Lake on Saturday, April 26, 2025, has tested positive for rabies.

Due to the danger of rabies, the Department of Health advises all residents to be on the lookout for foxes in the area.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a fox or a dog, please go to your local health centre and report the incident immediately. Treatment must be started quickly after exposure, as rabies infections are almost always fatal.

Domestic animals that spend time being tied up outdoors should be monitored for a change in behavior and signs of rabies.

Signs of rabies include behaving strangely, aggressive, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises. Wild animals infected with rabies may also appear friendly and approach humans without fear. Animals exhibiting these signs should be avoided and reported to the Environmental Health Officer or Conservation Officer.

If you see a fox or a wolf wandering around the community, contact the Conservation Officer at 867-793-2944. If your dog had contact with a fox or wolf, call the Environmental Health Officer at 867-473-1995.

Contact

Charmaine Deogracias
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca

NT4

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai announces his intention to step down as Premier

May 7, 2025

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai issued the following statement:

“Over the past 16 years, I have had the privilege to serve Yukoners as a Whitehorse city councillor, MLA for Porter Creek South, a cabinet minister and now as Premier.

“Throughout that time, Yukoners have welcomed me into their homes, workplaces and communities. Together, we have navigated moments of joy and sadness and worked to build a stronger, more inclusive territory.

“Serving as Premier of the Yukon has been the greatest honour of my life. Today, however, I am announcing my intention to step aside as Premier of the Yukon and Yukon Liberal Party Leader. This will trigger a leadership race, which will select the next Yukon Liberal Party Leader and Premier of the Yukon. I will continue to serve as a cabinet minister at the pleasure of the next Premier and will serve for the remainder of my term as MLA for Porter Creek South.

“Over the past nine years, our government has worked with Yukoners to accomplish so much.

“Together we brought telecommunications redundancy to the North with the Dempster Fibre Project, made significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and advanced land use planning and conservation. We formed partnerships with Yukon First Nations in the energy, mining, tourism and housing sectors and secured funding from the federal government to build a new convention centre. We’ve worked on behalf of Yukoners to invest in health and wellness across the territory, advanced programs like affordable child care and paid sick leave, guided our territory through the pandemic and economic recovery and are now working collaboratively with provincial and territorial partners and the federal government to fight back against the Trump administration’s threats to our economy and our way of life.

“The Yukon is an extraordinary place – where dreams are fulfilled and lives can flourish. It has been a privilege to serve as the MLA for Porter Creek South, as minister and as your premier. I want to thank my wife and our sons for their support – I can’t wait to spend more time with you all. I look forward to stepping back from public life, spending more time with my friends and family and enjoying all that our incredible territory has to offer.”

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

NT4

Northwest Territories, now home to giants of women’s slo-pitch – Cabin Radio

May 8, 2025

They came. They saw. They enjoyed quite a warm Saturday and endured a very chilly Sunday. They conquered.

The Saints – a competitive slo-pitch team comprising Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀ and Alberta-based women – became champions of their category at the Alberta Open in Leduc last weekend.

The players say they are the first in NWT history to remain undefeated for the entire tournament en route to gold.

Read More: https://cabinradio.ca/236429/news/sports/northwest-territories-now-home-to-giants-of-womens-slo-pitch/

Tłı̨chǫ, Det’on Cho brought in on new air ambulance contract – Cabin Radio

May 8, 2025

The NWT’s health authority has signed a new contract with an expanded consortium of northern firms to run the territory’s air ambulance service.

Access Air Ambulance already held the contract as a partnership between Air Tindi and Advanced Medical Solutions.

The renewed 10-year contract now includes the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, Det’on Cho Group of Companies and Aklak Air in that joint venture.

The contract’s value was not publicized in a Wednesday announcement.

Read More: https://cabinradio.ca/236414/news/health/tli%cc%a8ch%c7%ab-deton-cho-brought-in-on-new-air-ambulance-contract/

Arviat singer-songwriter returns with new Inuktitut album – Nunatsiaq News

May 8, 2025

First single from ‘Agaaqtoq 2’ released May 2; full album expected in late summer

Ten years after releasing his debut album, Arviat performer Agaaqtoq is returning to the northern music scene with the upcoming release of his second studio album, Agaaqtoq 2.

The album includes 10 original tracks written and performed in Inuktitut. The first single, Run Free, was released May 2 on all major streaming platforms.

The full digital album is expected to come out later this summer, according to a news release issued April 25 by his Nunavut-based record label Hitmakerz. CDs are already available directly from the artist.

Read More: https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/arviat-singer-songwriter-returns-with-new-inuktitut-album/

Local leaders in Mayo, Yukon, urge people to come forward to help solve 2023 double homicide – CBC

May 08, 2025

‘People are still not feeling quite safe,’ said Na-Cho Nyӓk Dun Chief Dawna Hope

More than two years after a double homicide in Mayo, Yukon, police have made no arrests in the case — and that’s left residents feeling unsafe in their own community, according to some local leaders.

Benjamin Symington and Michael Bennett were both fatally shot in March 2023, at the C-6 subdivision in Mayo.

“People are still not feeling quite safe,” said Chief Dawna Hope of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyӓk Dun.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/leaders-in-mayo-yukon-urge-people-to-come-forward-to-help-solve-2023-double-homicide-1.7529311

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