Canadian North makes surprise cuts to Norman Wells, N.W.T., flight schedule

The plans of hopeful paddlers whose trips were scheduled to depart from Norman Wells, N.W.T., this summer may be in jeopardy after Canadian North has cut some of its flights to the community. 

Dan Wong, owner of Yellowknife-based Jackpine Paddle, says he's had guided canoe trips booked for months for 40 guests. 

"They're stressed out and right now we're sitting with itineraries that just aren't viable, and so that does worry me," said Wong.

"These are trips of a lifetime and for some folks they've actually saved up for years and they've been planning for months." 

For now, Wong says nobody has cancelled their trips. 

Wong booked eight staff to lead the expeditions over the summer, starting on June 29. He says he learned about the reduced flight schedule Tuesday evening when emails of itinerary changes started pouring into his inbox. 

"I checked on that online and then I saw the schedule changes and I was like, 'Oh, this isn't going to be good,'" he said.

He also thought about his previous work experience in a medical travel office. 

"I can tell you that's a busy place to work. There's a lot of people there and they have growing medical needs and people need to get in and out of their communities," he said.

It's not clear how many flights have been cut. Canadian North did not respond to requests for comment and clarification by deadline.

The cut to the schedule to Norman Wells was a surprise to Mayor Frank Pope. 

"I'm more pissed off than anything else that nobody called us and gave us a heads up," he said.

Pope said the town would be issuing an update on the situation on Friday. 

In addition to the guided trips in Norman Wells, Wong was working with the Ayalik Fund to have Nunavummiut youth participate in a 12-day canoe trip on Great Slave Lake.