Tlicho Investment Corporation & Group of Companies CEO Mark Brajer, during one of his two presentations this week at the 22nd Annual Arctic Energy & Resource Symposium in Calgary.

Highlights of his presentations included:

• Energy – current issues, alternate energy and the future
• Transportation – roads, and access to communities
• Internet Backbone – communities, businesses

In the photo below, NWT Dep’t of Industry, Tourism and Investment Mineral & Petroleum Resources ADM Menzie McEachern offers remarks at the Northern Resource Open House on March 21, the night prior to the Arctic Energy & Resource Symposium. The Open House attracted a large crowd and was sponsored by your NWT Chamber of Commerce, with the governments of Nunavut, Yukon and NWT.

The deadline for NWT Chamber's call for directors looms

The deadline for those looking to be considered for inclusion in the NWT Chamber's next board of directors should contact Yanik D'Aigle by the end of today or over the weekend at the latest.

Our president has already received some expressions of interest and is grateful for them, but he would like to see some more candidates apply.

This is a challenging, but very promising, time in the NWT Chamber's 50-year history and you can help shape the direction of this vital organization. See the notice below for more info.

Retail trade sales up in January

Retail sales increased in all provinces and two territories in January, reports Statistics Canada.

The NWT saw sales increase by 3.8% year to year ($77 million from $74 million). Yukon was higher at 9.7 %, but Nunavut was down slightly, dropping 0.9%.

Across the country, sales were up 3.0% in January from December 2022 at motor vehicle and parts dealers, a sixth consecutive monthly increase. 

Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors increased 2.9% in January 2023 from December 2022. Gasoline prices rose 4.7% on an unadjusted basis in January.

The Consumer Price Index noted prices for food purchased from stores were up 10.4% on a year-over-year basis in January.

Here's the full report.

Minimum to maximum

The Yukon’s minimum wage will rise to $16.77 per hour on April 1, putting the territory in the lead position for basic pay among all provinces and territories, reports Cooper Langford, editor of Up Here Business. At that level, a worker earning the minimum will make $34,811 a year before taxes, based on a 40-hour work week.

After the increase, Nunavut will have Canada’s second highest wage, at $16, although government officials have said that wage level is under review. The minimum wage in the NWT will increase in September. It currently stands at $15.20. 

AND THE SURVEY SAYS:

The United States is moving ahead with the major Willow oil project on the northernmost region of Alaska. Should the U.S. and Canada open up more drilling, given current geo-political realities?

• YES 50%
• NO 50%

NORTHERN QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

"Congratulations!!!! How very exciting and thank you for sharing this special event with the community! Javaroma is a huge part of the community and always has been. ❤."

— Local photographer Tawna Brown in a YouTube comment about Rami Kassem opening his latest Javaroma Gourmet Coffee & Tea in Yellowknife last Saturday in the YKCentre.

"Thank you Yanik and NWT Camber Of Commerce for celebrating with us our Grand Opening. This means alot to us."

— posted by Javaroma Gourmet Coffee & Tea. See the NWT Chamber's video of the opening here.

SOCIAL POSTS OF THE WEEK:

SPONSOR THE NWT CHAMBER'S ONGOING WORK

Friday Futures:

The NWT Chamber's in-person/online AGM is April 13 at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife. Any members interested in joining the Board of Directors should contact our President, Yanik D'Aigle, at president@nwtchamber.com. As part of our 50th Anniversary year, the NWT Chamber is looking to expand its membership base. If you know of someone who might be interested in our organization, ask them to have a look at our (brand spanking new) website to find out more about us.

After an absence of two years, the NWT Chamber's golf tournament returns Friday, August 18 at the Yellowknife Golf Club. After 18 holes, participants will be treated to a reception with a silent auction and a delicious meal. More details will follow, but please save that date and start thinking of teams to enter.

To celebrate the NWT Chamber's 50th anniversary this year, a major one-day conference and evening reception is being planned for Sept. 29. Stay tuned for information.

The next NWT Chamber Board Meeting is April 15 at 11am in-person or Zoom

THE NWT CHAMBER SINCERELY THANKS

OUR LEGACY SPONSORS

Inquire with the NWT Chamber's Executive Director about sponsorship and newsletter advertising opportunities. We also offer limited numbers of EBlasts to members each month and promoted social media posts can be arranged.

Follow your NWT Chamber on social media