The territory's gross domestic product rose 5.2 per cent between 2016 and 2017, according to data from the NWT Bureau of Statistics.
The spike is largely due to diamond mining, which went up by 68.2 per cent as Gahcho Kue mine finished its first year of production, stated the bureau's May 2 report.
These gains were offset somewhat by a 92.8 per cent drop in oil and gas extraction due to the end of production at Norman Wells in early 2017.
The construction industry shrunk by 20.7 per cent in 2017. This was due to less demand for construction work at the mines and the completion of the highway from Inuvik to Tuktoyuktuk.
Over the last year, the NWT had the second-highest GDP increase in Canada after Nunavut, whose GDP rose 13.3 per cent. The GDP for Canada overall went up 3.3 per cent.
A change in GDP over time indicates whether an economy is growing or shrinking.
– Sidney Cohen
Health and Social Service fees take a hike
Medical professionals will see an increase in registration fees starting May, 15.
The changes are made being made by the Department of Health and Social Services, which renews fees every five years to coincide with the consumer price index, stated a news release.
The last increase came in 2013.
Dentists and social workers are expected to feel the brunt of the increases.
License renewal fees for dentists will increase by $15 to $215 and social worker registration fees will increase by $11 to $161.
Members of the general public will be impacted by the changes if they go to update birth certificates. It will cost residents close to $5 more after the increases are put into effect.
– Michael Hugall
Get active in June
The NWT Recreation and Parks Association (NWTRPA) announced it will again offer Get Active grants for events taking place in June to celebrate Recreation and Parks Month.
These grants are one way that the NWTRPA is promoting and encouraging the benefits of recreation and parks to NWT residents, stated a news release.
Grant applications will be accepted beginning May 1. Those who apply for Get Active grants can receive $400 to organize and deliver one community-oriented recreation-related event. Events can also focus on older adults as June is also Senior Citizens month.
The deadline for applications at nwtrpa.org is May 31.
– James O'Connor
Shipping costs rise
Deh Cho Bridge toll rates are increasing by 1.2 per cent.
The increase is in accordance with the NWT Consumer Price Index, stated a news release.
For example, a commercial vehicle such as a semi-trailer with five or six axles will pay $179.
Tolls on the Deh Cho Bridge, on Highway 3 at Fort Providence, only apply to northbound commercial vehicles weighing over 4,500 kilograms. Compliance is monitored through on-road patrols and an electronic toll monitoring system, which includes high-resolution cameras for capturing images of all bridge traffic.
– James O'Connor
Jonah Bevington goes to Portland
Yellowknife's Jonah Bevington is on his way to the next chapter of his junior hockey career.
The 14 year old was drafted by the Portland Winterhawks during the Western Hockey League's annual bantam draft yesterday, going in the fifth round, 109th overall. Bevington played this past season with the Okanagan Hockey Academy's bantam prep team out of Edmonton, where he had 28 points in 29 games.
Bevington was the only player from the NWT taken in this year's draft.
– James McCarthy
YKDFN Career Fair on horizon
The 10th Annual YKDFN Career Fair will run May 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chief Drygeese Conference Centre in Dettah.
The career fair is to provide information and opportunities for students to access career options, employment information and career-related support services together in one location, stated a news release.
"We are expecting 35 exhibitors from a variety of industries, 200 people either as students, visitors, or job seekers from Yellowknife, Dettah, and Ndilo," stated the release.
"The YKDFN Career Fair was first initiated in 2009 and proudly held every year since and open to the general public. We will once again be showcasing our unique Dene cultural awareness component."
A voluntary registration fee of $75 per exhibitor booth helps offset expenses such as catering, facility utilities use and bus transportation.
"Your contribution will be greatly appreciated as Yellowknives Dene First Nation is a non-profit Aboriginal organization and must rely on outside supporters to assist with initiative as this," stated the release.
Door prizes for regular draws throughout the day are also being requested.
For more information, call 867-873-4307.
– James O'Connor
Anti-poverty projects get help
The GNWT is investing over $1 million in local projects that take action against poverty.
In total, 43 projects led by community and Indigenous organizations will receive funding under the 2018-19 Anti-Poverty Fund this year, stated a news release.
Many of the anti-poverty initiatives receiving funding this year support food and housing security in communities.
– James O'Connor