Minister Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Minister Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, issued the following statements today after the Supreme Court of British Columbia appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. as Receiver of Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd. and Burgundy Diamonds (Canada) Ltd., the companies responsible for the Ekati Diamond Mine.

Minister Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Today’s court decision marks a serious and significant step for the Ekati Diamond Mine and for the Northwest Territories.

“This step follows the conclusion of the court-supervised sale process, which did not result in a viable path to continue operations at Ekati. With no viable purchaser identified and the companies no longer in a position to continue funding operations, receivership provides a clear, accountable and court-supervised process to stabilize the site and support an orderly transition.

“We know many people will have already seen public reporting on this matter, and we understand this news will raise questions and concerns for workers, families, Indigenous governments, northern and Indigenous businesses, contractors and communities across the territory.

“For nearly three decades, operations at Ekati have supported workers, families, Indigenous governments, northern and Indigenous businesses, contractors and communities across the NWT. This is a difficult moment, and the GNWT’s focus is on stability, safety, environmental protection and an orderly path forward.

“Ekati is a remote and complex site, and it cannot simply be allowed to stop in a sudden or disorderly way. The Receiver will be responsible for overseeing site operations, care and maintenance, and eventual reclamation and closure activities under the supervision of the court.

“This work begins immediately. The Receiver is expected to be on site later today and will oversee activities to support site stability, safety and environmental protection. That includes maintaining essential functions, protecting environmental controls, supporting an orderly transition, and ensuring environmental and regulatory obligations continue to be managed through the appropriate processes.

“The GNWT will continue to uphold its responsibilities to protect the land, water and public interest. The GNWT holds financial security for the Ekati Mine, and that security exists to help ensure closure and reclamation obligations can be met if the company is unable to meet them. Decisions about the use of that security will be made carefully, responsibly and through the appropriate processes.

“This will take time. The immediate work is stabilization. The next phase is care and maintenance. The longer-term work is reclamation and closure, which will require planning, technical work, and continued engagement with Indigenous governments and other partners.

“Our focus is clear: protect northern workers, maintain site safety, protect the land and water, protect the public interest, and ensure there is an orderly and accountable path forward.”

Minister Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

“This is a difficult day for the Northwest Territories. The challenges facing Ekati and the diamond sector are not new, but that does not make this moment any less serious for the workers, families, businesses, Indigenous governments and communities affected by today’s decision.

“Ekati helped launch the NWT diamond industry and has supported good jobs, business opportunities and prosperity for nearly three decades. My thoughts are with every worker, family, business, contractor, Indigenous government, Indigenous development corporation and community affected.

“We recognize that the move to receivership will raise questions and worry for workers and businesses at Ekati, and for their families and communities. The Receiver is expected to begin connecting directly with employees to provide information on what can be expected in the coming days and weeks.

“Right now, our priority is people. Workers, families and businesses need clear information, practical support and confidence that they are not being left to navigate this alone. The GNWT will help impacted workers and businesses access available supports, services and opportunities.

“The GNWT is also committed to supporting northern workers, contractors, suppliers and local businesses. We have communicated the importance of continued northern and Indigenous participation to the Receiver, and will continue to advocate for northern and Indigenous workers and businesses to be involved to the greatest extent possible as the site moves into care and maintenance, reclamation and closure.

“The diamond sector has faced serious pressure for some time, from low global diamond prices and changing consumer demand to tariffs, rising costs and aging mines. This is a serious moment for the territory, but it is not one we are facing unprepared.

“The diamond industry helped build the modern Northwest Territories, but this moment also reinforces why our future cannot depend on one mine, one commodity or one sector. We need a broader and more resilient economy, supported by strong Indigenous partnerships, responsible resource development, critical infrastructure and good northern jobs.

“At the same time, the territory is facing opportunities we have not seen in a generation. Arctic security, critical minerals, energy, housing and infrastructure are drawing new attention and investment to the North. Our job is to turn that attention and investment into lasting benefits for Northerners, Indigenous governments, northern businesses and communities.

“To everyone who has worked at Ekati or supported the mine: thank you. Your work helped create careers, support families, grow northern businesses and build the diamond industry in the Northwest Territories.

“The GNWT will continue to stand with workers, businesses, Indigenous governments and communities through this transition. Ekati helped shape the Northwest Territories for a generation. Now our responsibility is to build on that foundation and create new opportunities for the future.”

Related Links:

https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/services/employment-training-business

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca