Month In Review – Nunavut

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Month In Review – Nunavut

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LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Environmental

Jun 22: The federal government announced $17.2 million in funding for four remote renewable energy projects in Nunavut: i. Over $4.8 million to Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC) for a solar, wind, and battery microgrid project with the goal of offsetting future diesel consumption by over 50%; ii. Close to $8.5 million to NNC for the construction of a clean energy system for the new Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre; iii. Over $1.3 million from NRCan for Qulliq Energy Corporation to accelerate renewable energy projects in the territory’s 25 diesel-dependent communities; and iv. $2.5 million to Sakku Investments Corporation to demonstrate the first solar and battery project in Nunavut capable of operating both connected to the local microgrid and in islanded mode.

New Laws

Jun 18: The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is providing up to $4,787,324 in targeted funding for two community food processing plants in Nunavut, one in Gjoa Haven focusing on Arctic char, with the potential to later process other country foods, such as muskox, and the other the Niqihaqut Cut and Wrap Facility in Taloyoak.

Industry Challenges

Jul 3: The Government of Nunavut reminded clam harvesters to harvest in traditional areas that are no closer than within 400 feet of a wharf or within 1,000 feet of any possible source of pollution, such as sewage lagoon runoff, sewage treatment plant outfall, or other industrial runoff, such as landfills.

Workers’ Compensation

Jun 22: From June to August 10, the Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission (WSCC) is accepting applications for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Funding Program support from service providers that help Northwest Territories and Nunavut employers improve workplace safety and comply with OHS requirements. Applicants can request between $5,000 to $250,000 per year, per initiative.

CASES

Lockout Tagout: Nuclear Plant Fined $276,000 for Electrician’s Electrocution Death

Qulliq Energy Corporation was on the receiving end of what may be the highest OHS fine ever imposed in Nunavut—a total of $276,000 for the electrocution death of a 58-year-old electrician while working on an emergency generator that had not been de-energized in the hamlet. The accident occurred at the company’s Naujaat Power Plant during a blackout. Qulliq pled guilty to one violation: failing to carry out all reasonable techniques and procedures, to ensure the health and safety of every person in its establishment. In return, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) dropped eight charges [Qulliq Energy Corporation, WSCC Press Release, June 16, 2026].

Action Point: Find out how to prevent fatalities and OHS fines like these by implementing a legally sound Lockout and Hazardous Energy Control Compliance Game Plan at your site.