Photo: Everyone loves a parade

Rankin Inlet shrugs off one-metre record snowfall

“Didn’t impact us too much”

Rankin Inlet emerged unscathed from a record blizzard snowfall of almost one metre by Friday morning, April 17, with major roads cleared and businesses waiting for delayed shipments to come through in the afternoon.

The hamlet office reported all roads open that morning, and flights into the...

Nunavut MLAs complain about public housing allocations

NHC formula leaves some communities with no new units

Some Nunavut MLAs aren’t happy about the Nunavut Housing Corp.’s housing allocations recently announced by the minister responsible for the NHC, Peter Taptuna, the legislative assembly heard May 16.

Taptuna announced the allocations, setting out which Nunavut communities can expect to see new......

Iqaluit shelters plan May 18 fundraiser

Money raised helps fund Qimaavik Women's Shelter and Sivumut House

If you like appetizers, dessert, and good entertainment, come to the YWCA Agvvik Nunavut’s second annual Ulluriaq Soirée gala May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Frobisher Inn in Iqaluit.

The event, open to those over age 19, raises money for the Qimaavik Women’s Shelter and Sivumut House in Iqaluit.

“We...

Nunavut MLAs vote to ease restrictions on booze

Amendments provide for higher fines, possible retail sales

Retail beer and wine stores, and the ability to legally transport more liquor into the territory without a permit came closer to reality May 16 when MLAs voted for amendments to Nunavut’s Liquor Act.

The amendments would also allow for the funding of “social responsibility campaigns” from the...

Arctic Council’s indigenous participants eye Arctic Council under Aglukkaq

"“We trust that this cooperation will continue"

ALEX BOYD

KIRUNA, SWEDEN — Will Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Arctic Council minister, carry out her determination to “put the interests of the people of the Arctic first” during Canada’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council?

That’s the hope of representatives of the Arctic Council’s indigenous...

Arctic ministers sign new agreement to tackle oil spills

Deal puts focus on preparation, not prevention

ALEX BOYD

KIRUNA, SWEDEN — The member nations of Arctic Council signed their second internationally binding agreement May 15 in Kiruna, Sweden: an agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic.

“A potential oil spill could have a serious impact on the...

Canada takes Arctic Council in new direction with business forum: Aglukkaq

“Why don’t we collaborate more to find what works”

Canada wants to add a new dimension to the work of the Arctic Council by hosting a circumpolar business forum to promote an “Arctic to Arctic” dialogue, Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Arctic Council minister, said May 15.

“It’s an opportunity for business communities, Arctic to Arctic. Any...

Photo: Health dept. takes on corporate challenge in CamBay’s Frolics

We want an audit of Nutrition North: Nunavut MLAs

"Another element to addressing food security in Nunavut”

Nunavut MLAs want the Auditor General of Canada to examine the Nutrition North Canada program.

MLAs passed a unanimous motion to that effect May 16, brought forward by South Baffin MLA Fred Schell and seconded by Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott in the legislative assembly.

“There’s nobody living here...

Photo: NS graduates May 13

Missing man found “alive and well” near Nunavut mine project

Searchers locate Michel Pilon late May 16

Michel Pilon, 39, a driller lost on the land for more than two days, was found late May 16.

In a news release sent out at about 1 a.m. May 17, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. said is was “very happy” to report that its search and rescue teams located Pilon “alive and safe near its Meliadine camp at about...

RCMP in CamBay seize drugs, alcohol, cash

Woman faces two drug and alcohol related charges

The RCMP in Cambridge Bay have made another seizure of drugs and alcohol in the community.

On May 13, police responded to a call for service at a local residence where they located and seized 24 grams of marijuana, eight bottles of vodka and a quantity of cash.
A woman, who was not named in the...

Spring crime rates drop in Iqaluit: RCMP report

Police lodge 51 fewer prisoners this April over last

Police report a drop in the number of arrests in Iqaluit in April this year compared with April of last year, in what appeared to be an exceptionally peaceful spring season.

In his two-month RCMP report to Iqaluit City Council, May 14, Sgt. Monte Lecomte guessed that the arrival of the warm season...

Rankin Inlet remains shut down May 16

Everyone has been told to stay at home while hamlet workers clear snow

(Updated at 3:15 p.m.)

The mayor of Rankin Inlet, Robert Janes, has told everyone in the Kivalliq community of 2,900 to stay home May 16 after a three-day blizzard dumped more than 90 centimetres of snow.

All schools, government offices, banks and stores remained closed during the afternoon of...

Canada wants permanent fix for EU seal hunt dispute: Aglukkaq

“I will now work to try to address this issue for Canada”

Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq, the head of Canada’s Arctic Council chairmanship, told reporters May 15 that she wants to seek a permanent resolution to the dispute between Canada and the European Union over the EU’s ban on the importation of seal products.

“I will now work to try to address this issue...

Greenland premier faces big backlash at home for Arctic Council boycott

"A expression of 'bad taste' — and that rarely goes a long way in international negotiations"

The decision by Aleqa Hammond, Greenland’s premier, to boycott the May 15 Arctic Council ministerial in Kiruna, Sweden continues to dominate political discussion in Greenland, where it appears she’s facing a big backlash from the public.

Many in Greenland don’t think Hammond made the right...

Nunavut judge clarifies publication ban procedures, lifts ban on name of accused teacher

Mark Caine, 37, to appear in court June 3

A publication ban on the name of an Iqaluit teacher who faces three charges of sexual interference was overturned in a judgment issued by Justice Earl Johnson May 15.

This past April 12 Justice Andrew Mahar granted a request from the Crown to impose a publication ban that prevents news...

Photo: Omingmak Frolics feature traditional fashion show

Search continues for man missing near Nunavut mine project

Michel Pilon, 39, never reached drill site on May 14

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. reports that search and rescue operations are continuing May 16 for a missing worker, now identified as Michel Pilon, 39, of Timmons, Ont., at its Meliadine gold mine project near Rankin Inlet.

Search efforts to find Pilon, first reported missing early May 14, were...