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YK NEWS BRIEFS: Giant Mine remediation, flu cases decreasing

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U.S.-based firm to oversee Giant mine remediation

A California-based firm will oversee the Giant Mine's remediation project after being named construction manger by the federal government, according to the Canadian Institute of Mining Magazine.

Parsons Corporation, a company that provides engineering and construction services to government agencies and private clients alike, will dish out $32 million in remediation "care and maintenance" over a two year period, the release from CIM Magazine states.

Parsons landed the job following a bidding process that began in February of 2017.

The cost of its implementation is still undetermined, but the feds have previously pegged its price tag at up to $1 billion.

– Brendan Burke

 

Flu cases decreasing after hectic January

Some 134 cases of the flu were diagnosed during the month of January, almost three times the average amount of cases in the past four years.

The increase in numbers for this season may stem from an increased in swabbing in some regions, said GNWT communications manager Damien Healey.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Andre Corriveau, has called for an increase in swabbing to help identify the different strains that were present.

Healey said the number of flu cases are trending downward, adding the peak for this flu season came during the week of Dec. 24.

Of the cases, 90 per cent of the 130 specimens had influenza A (H3) while the other 10 per cent contained influenza B.

– Michael Hugall

 

NWT among highest unemployment rates in Canada

The unemployment rate in the NWT has hit 8.7 per cent, making it the fourth highest in the county, according to the NWT Bureau of Statistics.

The unemployment rate rose from 7.0 in January 2017, despite having more eligible workforce candidates.

The NWT Bureau of Statistics shows a rise of employment in Yellowknife from last year's numbers but a four percent decrease in employment for the rest of the territory.

Indigenous unemployment is down slightly.

– Michael Hugall

 

City hosts community volunteer appreciation breakfast

The City of Yellowknife and Food Rescue will hold a pancake breakfast to celebrate the contributions of volunteers for its fifth annual volunteer recognition event on Apr. 21 in the Multiplex gymnasium.

"Acknowledging and honouring our community volunteers is one way the city can assist organizations in supporting their volunteer base. We are greatly appreciative of the tremendous amount of time and energy volunteers provide in Yellowknife," stated Mayor Mark Heyck in a news release.

All volunteers are invited to attend the free event in recognition of their contributions to community development and programming. Breakfast will be served by Yellowknife Food Rescue at 9 a.m. followed by a formal recognition presentation from 12 volunteer organizations at 9:30 a.m.

– Avery Zingel