Canada's Territories Labour Market Bulletin

October 2011

Canada's Territories Labour Market Bulletin – October 2011 (PDF version, 108 kb)

The Labour Market Bulletin is produced monthly by economists and labour market analysts employed by Service Canada in the Western Canada and Territories Region.

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Editor, Labour Market Bulletin
Labour Market Information Directorate
Western Canada and Territories Region
Labour Market and Social Development Programs
Service Canada
#1100 - 300 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 6G3

Yukon

Energy efficient school proposed for Whitehorse: The Government of Yukon is preparing to move ahead with plans for a $52.5-million secondary school, which will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design certification standards. Although some site preparation work is scheduled to begin this fall, the project is currently under environmental assessment. If approved, construction will begin in early 2012 towards a completion date of September 2013. The current school will be demolished once the new one is built and ready for occupancy. Key Source: Government of Yukon, August 31, 2011, Yukon Environmental Assessment Board, August 22, 2011.

Mine training underway at Yukon Zinc’s Wolverine Mine: Since January 2011, Yukon Zinc has been conducting mine rescue and safety training along with front line supervisor training for its workers. Additionally, six employees who are from the Kaska First Nation have begun on-the-job training to complete certification as heavy equipment operators. This ongoing training will help support the fly-in fly-out workforce, which during construction in 2010 climbed as high as 700, but has now settled to 106. The remaining workers will be kept busy as, in addition to increasing production, maintenance and repairs on mining vehicles will also be required over the mine’s 10-year lifespan. Key Source: Yukon Zinc, newsletters, March 1, 2011, September 1, 2011.

Alternative learning program for Yukon youth: Youth who have left mainstream high school programs will soon have the opportunity to graduate and gain apprenticeable skills thanks to a new initiative offered by the Whitehorse Individual Learning Centre. Based on past successful projects for the hair-styling trade, the Government of Yukon is now investing $53,120 towards a two-year hair-styling pre-employment program to help youth at risk, particularly young women, gain employable skills and receive a high school diploma. An instructor will be hired at the centre to provide one-on-one assistance for eight students, providing a supportive environment to help them succeed. Key Source: Government of Yukon, September 9, 2011.

Mine production benefits local First Nations: Through a mutual cooperation and benefits agreement, profitable mining operations at the Alexco Resource Corporation Bellekeno mine will help support ongoing business, employment and training opportunities for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (FNNND). Alexo reported a gross profit of $15.8 million for the first six months of production at the silver, lead and zinc mine. The agreement will assist members of the FNNND gain skills in the mining industry, helping prepare for future developments in the region. Key Source: Alexco Resource Corporation, September 15, 2011

Northwest Territories (NWT)

Aboriginal Training Program underway for Prairie Creek Mine: The Mine Training Society is currently establishing a training program, called "More Than a Silver Lining", to help prepare Aboriginal participants for various careers in the mining industry. Jointly funded by Canadian Zinc and the federal government, the program will provide training for jobs in mine administration, underground mining, and heavy equipment operation. Should the Prairie Creek Mine project be approved by the environmental review board, it is expected to provide 220 full-time jobs during mining operations, employing 70 participants of the Society's program. Key Source: Canadian Zinc Corporation, Mine Training Society, August 29, 2011.

Diamond exploration continues in Lac de Gras region: North Arrow Minerals has partnered with Harry Winston Diamond Mines Ltd. to explore for diamonds near two NWT diamond-producing mines, located 300 km northeast of Yellowknife. Harry Winston will invest $5 million over the next five years for exploration activities, including geological and drilling-support services. The exploration, which is set to begin in 2012, could lead to new diamond finds, helping further mining activities and employment in the region. Key Source: North Arrow Minerals, September 6, 2011

Yellowknife firm merges: Consulting firm FSC Architects and Engineers is merging with Stantec, a company that is expanding its base of operations in Canada and the U.S. Approximately 70 workers across all three territories, and Edmonton, will now join the expanding international firm. The move will provide Stantec with a larger presence in the North and gain cold-weather engineering expertise, while giving FSC growth and expanded career opportunities within Stantec’s corporate organization. Key source: Stantec website, news release, September 1, 2011; News North, September 12, 2011.

Film production benefits the north: A new television series, Arctic Air, has begun filming in the Yellowknife area, adding revenue to the local economy through property rentals and hospitality services from the visiting cast and crew. Film production in the north not only helps to diversify the area's economy, but can also inspire local youth toward careers in the media or film industry due to the interest generated by accompanying celebrities. The series, which will debut on CBC in 2012, will also promote tourism in the area by showcasing true northern locations. Key Source: Omni Film Productions, website, September 16, 2011.

Nunavut

Territorial government to take over social service programs in Cape Dorset: The hamlet of Cape Dorset and the Government of Nunavut (GN) have mutually agreed that jobs in social services, including child protection services, will revert back to the responsibility of the territorial government. As the GN has broader access to human resources, the territorial government is better equipped to cope with understaffing and critical situations on behalf of the small community of around 1 200 people. No job losses are expected as the territorial government and hamlet will work together to provide a seamless transition of services and fill long-standing vacancies. Key Source: Government of Nunavut, August 30, 2011, CBC North, August 30, 2011

Agreement for Mary River development to benefit Inuit: The Baffinland Iron Ore project and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association have agreed on drafted terms that will ensure Inuit benefit economically from the significant social and environmental changes that will occur as a result of resource development on their land. In addition to employment, training, and business opportunities, Inuit will also receive support for social and cultural activities as the $4-billion project is developed. The agreement will become formalized once the project receives approval from the regulatory body. Key source: Qikiqtani Inuit Association, news release, September 9, 2011.

Preparations in motion for 2012 drilling program: After finishing this year’s $17.3-million field exploration program at the Chidliak diamond project, Peregrine Diamonds has already begun preparing for next year. Cooper Drilling LLC. has been contracted to complete next year's bulk sample drilling program, employing skilled drillers and their helpers. Nuna Logistics, an Inuit firm, has been selected to provide heavy equipment and logistical support, providing local Inuit with jobs and training. Additionally, marine transportation workers who transport fuel, supplies, and equipment to the mine will have more work during this year's shipping season, as the company prepares for an early start next year. Key Source: Peregrine Diamonds Ltd., September 12, 2011.

North Country Gold to increase gold exploration activity in 2012: Upgrades to camp facilities at the North Country Gold Three Bluff project, located 300 km north of Baker Lake, will allow the exploration company to accommodate 100 geological and camp support service personnel. With an all-season water system, and a new airstrip for larger aircraft, the company is now able to transport workers and supplies year-round, extending the drilling season for identifying ore resources. It is anticipated that 8 to 10 rigs will be needed for the drilling program in 2012. Key Source: North Country Gold, September 14, 26, 2011