Yellowknife, NT (January 20, 2023) – On January 12, 2023, the Workers’ Safety and
Compensation Commission filed ten charges in the Nunavut Court of Justice under the
Safety Act and the Mine Health and Safety Act.
Sabina Gold and Silver Corporation, Matrix Aviation Solutions Inc, Matrix Kitikmeot Ltd.,
and Gallant Restorations Incorporated are charged with multiple counts alleging violations
of the Safety Act and the Mine Health and Safety Act, including failure to implement and
maintain work practices, failure to ensure the health and safety of all persons at the
worksite and neglecting or refusing to provide information relating to the safety
investigation, as well as other offences.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 17, 2022 on a winter ice road
near Bathurst Inlet. While operating machinery, the ice broke and both the worker and the
machine went through a hole in the sea ice. The worker died as a result of this incident.
The first court appearance is scheduled for March 6, 2023, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
As the matter is now before the courts, WSCC is not able to provide further information or
comment at this time.
Sarah McLeod
Manager, Communications
T: (867) 920-3854
Note:
- This matter is now before the courts, so additional information available for release is limited.
- The Safety Act, section 11, outlines requirements for confidentiality relating to what personal information the WSCC can release. The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act also states what personal information government bodies are permitted to release. Under these Acts, the WSCC is unable to disclose personal information or information that could reasonably identify an individual.