Qulliq Energy faces 9 charges over workplace death

Qulliq Energy Corp. faces nine Safety Act charges in connection with the workplace death of a man in Naujaat nearly a year ago, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission announced Thursday.

The fatal incident occurred July 5, 2024, at the Naujaat power plant, the commission said in a news release.

Three days later, on July 8, 2024, Qulliq, the territory’s energy supplier, confirmed in a statement to Nunatsiaq News that an electrician had died in a what it called a “tragic workplace incident” while performing generator repairs in the hamlet.

The Nunavut Employees Union later confirmed Noah Paniyuk, a member of the union’s Local 7, was the worker who was killed.

Qulliq Energy Corp. said Thursday that it co-operated with the investigation by the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission that led to the nine charges alleging violations of the Safety Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

The charges, which were filed June 26, include “failing to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of every person at the worksite, failing to sufficiently and competently supervise work, and failing to implement safe work procedures, as well as other offences,” the commission’s news release said.

Maggie Collins, communications manager for the commission, declined further comment Thursday because the case is before the court.

In a statement Thursday, Ernest Douglas, president and CEO of Qulliq Energy Corp., said, “Each of us at QEC continues to mourn and reflect upon the memory of our valued colleague and our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and community.”

“Workplace safety is a continuous journey, and we are committed to making sure it is at the centre of everything we do,” Douglas said.

Qulliq Energy Corp.’s first court appearance on the charges is scheduled for Aug. 11 in Iqaluit.