CBC North

Experts say Canada should track underwater noises in Arctic to help marine wildlife
“If you go to a rock concert with your friend and you're trying to speak with them, chances are are you won’t be able to share your message efficiently," said Lyne Morissette, a marine biologist with Ocean Networks Canada. “It's the same for whales and for belugas and nar...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/experts-say-canada-should-track-underwater-noises-in-arctic-to-help-marine-wildlife-9.7138174?cmp=rss

The push to get the world’s largest land use plan in Nunavut signed amid mining rush
It’s been nearly two decades since work began on the Nunavut land use plan, but there’s still no word on when it’ll be signed. As that process drags on, some Nunavummiut are nervous about the damage being done to their lands.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-land-use-plan-mining-rush-9.7136841?cmp=rss

'I feel like I've been ripped off': N.S. passenger gets cold shoulder from Porter Airlines
Twenty bags were removed from a flight to the Yukon due to weight restrictions. That left a passenger travelling on a tight budget stuck in the Yukon in just a sweater and running shoes.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/airline-leaves-passenger-s-luggage-behind-9.7136146?cmp=rss

'So much potential in the community': Inuvik youth learn to design and print clothing
The participants developed skills in making their own digital graphics and logos, and putting them on clothing like sweaters and T-shirts.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuvik-youth-design-clothing-9.7136292?cmp=rss

Mistissini, Que., team to tackle 1,000-km Grand défi cycling challenge
Five athletes from Mistissini, Que., are gearing up to ride 1,000 kilometres this summer as part of Quebec’s Grand défi cycling challenge, but first they need to raise $13,000 to support the ride.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mistissini-1000km-grand-defi-cycling-9.7136226?cmp=rss

While Canadian leaders talk Arctic security, this new network wants the tourism industry at the table
A spokesperson for the newly minted Arctic Canada Tourism Network says its members want to make sure their industry has a voice in conversations about the future of the Arctic.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/arctic-canada-tourism-network-forms-9.7132779?cmp=rss

'We need answers': Family of man killed in Mayo, Yukon say there's no closure until an arrest is made
The brother and sister of Michael Bennett, one of two men shot and killed near Mayo, Yukon in 2023, say they are still looking for answers and closure while RCMP have made no arrests in connection with his murder.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/family-michael-bennett-looking-for-answers-mayo-double-homicide-9.7136929?cmp=rss

Q&A | U of A researcher on battery-free sensor to track vital signs in extreme cold
University of Alberta and Department of National Defence researchers have developed a tiny battery-free sensor that can be used to track vital signs of soldiers in the field, including checking for risk of frostbite in extreme cold.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/u-of-a-sensor-technology-frostbite-9.7135410?cmp=rss

Tentative remediation plan outlined for Yukon's Clinton Creek mine
Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada presented Dawson City residents with a tentative three-year construction project for the former Clinton Creek asbestos mine. Work is planned to begin this summer.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/tentative-remediation-plan-outlined-for-yukon-s-clinton-creek-mine-9.7137029?cmp=rss

Yellowknife Muslim community celebrates Eid
The Islamic Centre of Yellowknife came alive early Friday morning as worshippers arrived to pray and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/muslim-yellowknife-marc-miller-rebecca-alty-eid-nwt-9.7136866?cmp=rss

Investigation launched into death of Nunavut man in Yellowknife RCMP custody
Yellowknife RCMP say Saskatchewan’s serious crime unit is investigating after a 35-year-old man from Nunavut died in policy custody.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/investigation-police-custody-death-yellowknife-9.7136940?cmp=rss

Ottawa announces $17M for production and broadcasting of Indigenous content
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller said 23 radio stations across Canada will benefit from the $17 million. He called the funding “critical,” because these stations often broadcast to remote communities where they might not get news from other sources.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/ottawa-needs-better-funding-model-indigenous-broadcasting-9.7136500?cmp=rss

Mixed response to N.W.T's proposed labour board and changes to union certification process
The N.W.T. government has been working to update the Public Service Act, saying the last substantial revisions were made in 1988. This week, the government released a report summarizing feedback it’s received on some of the proposed changes.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/n-w-t-labour-board-union-certification-changes-9.7135454?cmp=rss

Norman Wells man who pleaded guilty to assault, uttering threats sentenced to 26 months in jail
A Norman Wells, N.W.T. man was sentenced to 26 months in jail for a slew of charges including mischief, assault, uttering threats and breaching release orders; many which took place in 2024.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/tegan-sutherland-sentencing-9.7136606?cmp=rss

‘Switch it up a little’: Meet Nunavut athletes who went to multiple Arctic Winter Games for different sports
Most athletes would be happy if they made a territorial team for the Arctic Winter Games. But, there's some multi-sports Nunavut athletes who get to pick and choose which sports they go for.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-athletes-who-ve-gone-to-multiple-awg-for-different-sports-9.7128231?cmp=rss

Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation releases field study results for proposed hydro project near Iqaluit
Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation has released the first set of data for the proposed hydro project at Kuugaaluk River. The results will help inform data collection this summer in the area.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-nukkiksautiit-corporation-releases-field-study-results-9.7136554?cmp=rss

In Trump's shadow, Greenland seeks more leverage from Danish vote
Greenlandic candidates competing for two seats in Denmark's election next week hope to leverage the unprecedented attention brought to their island by U.S. President Donald Trump to wrangle concessions from its former colonial power.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/in-trump-s-shadow-greenland-seeks-more-leverage-from-danish-vote-9.7136361?cmp=rss

Crown, defence close 2nd-degree murder trial in Yukon Supreme Court
The trial of a Lower Post, B.C., man accused of killing Anthony Primozic in Haines Junction wrapped up this week, with the crown and defence making final submissions March 18.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/seth-boss-yukon-supreme-court-trial-9.7135749?cmp=rss

Northern aviation deserves same de-icing resources as the south, says pilot
Planes are not supposed to take off if snow or ice are sticking to some critical surfaces like the wings, because there is a risk it may affect aircraft performance in the air. The report raises the question of how often planes take off with snow on the wings even if they aren't supposed ...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/northern-aviation-deserves-same-de-icing-resources-as-the-south-says-pilot-9.7135627?cmp=rss

Permitting not to blame for mine delays in the Yukon, researchers say
A report from the University of British Columbia found financing issues, not permitting, are more likely to blame for mine delays in the Yukon. It also found mine revenue and the number of job opportunities are often exaggerated.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/permitting-not-to-blame-for-mine-delays-in-the-yukon-researchers-say-9.7134070?cmp=rss

Researcher recommends caution with potential Dawson City land development due to possible flood risk
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation and the Yukon Government signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint master planning process for neighboring parcels of land in Dawson City. The area, next to the Dredge Pond sub-division, has been known to flood in the past.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/dawson-city-development-land-flood-risk-9.7116361?cmp=rss

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun chief, majority of councillors have resigned, First Nation says
A "governance update" dated March 3 and posted on the First Nation's website says five people including the chief have resigned from the council "in recent months," and says a byelection will be held to fill the positions.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/na-cho-nyaek-dun-chief-majority-of-councillors-have-resigned-first-nation-says-9.7116152?cmp=rss

Mackenzie Valley Highway plans move ahead but funding likely depends on extension to Inuvik
Community meetings for the Mackenzie Valley Highway wrapped up in Fort Simpson Wednesday, with one of the big questions being how an extension to Inuvik would factor into current plans.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mackenzie-valley-highway-plans-move-ahead-but-funding-likely-depends-on-extension-to-inuvik-9.7116066?cmp=rss

Low takeoff altitude, faulty landing gear contributed to 2024 Fort Smith air crash, investigators find
A report released by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada about a Jan. 23, 2024, air crash that killed six of the seven people on board the plane found the pilots were focused on a landing gear problem and may not have noticed a lo...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/low-takeoff-altitude-faulty-landing-gear-contributed-to-2024-fort-smith-air-crash-investigators-find-9.7116147?cmp=rss

Foreign Affairs Minister Anand says NATO must turn its focus to the North
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand touted Canada's new commitment to defence spending and the domestic defence sector and called for a NATO policy pivot to the Arctic, at a major defence and security conference in Ottawa on Wednesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/foreign-affairs-minister-anand-says-nato-must-turn-its-focus-to-the-north-9.7115630?cmp=rss

Housing N.W.T. says it's making progress following audit recommendations
Housing N.W.T. officials answered questions from MLAS Wednesday evening in a two-hour committee meeting to provide updates on progress since the Office of the Auditor General of Canada published a damning report on the corporation last fall.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/housing-n-w-t-says-it-s-making-progress-following-audit-recommendations-9.7115750?cmp=rss

Whitehorse shelter operator responds to another lawsuit alleging negligence
The Connective Support Society and Yukon government both say they're not responsible for the death of Leonard Capot-Blanc, who died at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter in 2024.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/whitehorse-emergency-shelter-capotblanc-9.7115231?cmp=rss

Yellowknife family calls for changes to medical travel policy after troubling experience
Linda Mercer England says her experience being medevaced to Edmonton last fall was made worse when her husband could not travel with her under the territory's medical travel policy. The family is calling for changes to the program.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yellowknife-family-calls-for-changes-to-medical-travel-policy-after-troubling-experience-9.7111369?cmp=rss

Medical travel passengers stuck at a Nunavut airport say they were left cold with little food and water
Some passengers CBC News spoke to say they were left stranded in Cambridge Bay for nearly nine hours inside a frigid airport because of weather delays. They say the airline provided only a few bottles of water and some measly snacks.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/medical-travel-passengers-nunavut-airport-food-water-9.7114365?cmp=rss

Advocacy group wants territory to withdraw appointment of Yukon Water Board chair
An advocacy group is raising concerns about the new chair of the Yukon Water Board, questioning whether her past work in the mining industry will affect her impartiality as chair of the regulator.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-water-board-chair-9.7115013?cmp=rss

Arctic Winter Games expected to cost around $9.5M
Tracey Bilsky, president of the games host society in Whitehorse, said the money is worth it if the games generate economic activity. She also says the event is about more than just money, it's about cultural pride.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/arctic-winter-games-expected-to-cost-around-9-5m-9.7115249?cmp=rss

Arctic Winter Games still needs more volunteer shifts covered, host society says
With 20 different sports and hundreds of youth athletes competing across multiple venues, the Arctic Winter Games needs a huge number of volunteers to be successful. But efforts to secure enough volunteers have hit some bumps in the road, according to the host society, including...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/arctic-winter-games-still-needs-more-volunteer-shifts-covered-host-society-says-9.7115026?cmp=rss

Analysis finds N.W.T. needs to build thousands of homes by 2044
Housing N.W.T. completed its first comprehensive assessment of housing need in the territory. Its findings show N.W.T. currently needs 1,700 homes and an additional 1,000 by 2044.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nwt-housing-assessment-9.7114760?cmp=rss

Oil companies shun Trump administration's Alaska offshore auction
The sale was the first of six Alaska offshore oil and gas auctions ​mandated through 2032 by U.S. President ​Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which he signed into law last year.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/oil-companies-shun-trump-administration-s-alaska-offshore-auction-9.7115021?cmp=rss

Elder says writing kids book about Taloyoak, Nunavut, a ‘dream come true’
An elder in Taloyoak says publishing her first book is a dream come true. Elizabeth Lyall, 72, is a co-author of a children’s book called Let’s Explore Taloyoak that was released on Tuesday.
#books #writing #Taloyoak #Nunavut
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/childrens-book-taloyoak-nunavut-9.7114547?cmp=rss

Auditor general finds major flaws in Yukon's child protection system
Canada's auditor general has found the Yukon government is failing to follow many of its own policies on child welfare, in a damning report released Wednesday.
#childprotection #governmentfailure #Yukon
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/auditor-general-finds-major-flaws-in-yukon-s-child-protection-system-9.7114280?cmp=rss

Yellowknife's new aquatic centre closing for a month
A City of Yellowknife news release on Wednesday says the aquatic centre closure, from April 5 to May 2, is to "complete a comprehensive warranty inspection and related repairs."
#closure #repairs #Yellowknife
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yellowknife-s-new-aquatic-centre-closing-for-a-month-9.7114481?cmp=rss

Yukon government appeals Human Rights tribunal decision on midwifery case
In January, the Yukon government was ordered to pay over $36,000 in damages – the largest amount ever awarded in the territory for general damages – to a Whitehorse woman. Now, the government is appealing the case.

#government #appeal #case #Yukon #Whitehorse
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-government-appeals-human-rights-tribunal-decision-on-midwifery-case-9.7113318?cmp=rss

Arctic Winter Games teams eager for competition, camaraderie, mission staff say
Mission staff with teams competing in the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse this month say the teams are readying uniforms, arranging travel and preparing athletes for events while eagerly anticipating the competition, the cam...
#competition #camaraderie #culturalexchange #Whitehorse
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/arctic-winter-games-teams-eager-for-competition-camaraderie-mission-staff-say-9.7113749?cmp=rss