Canadian North Announces New President

June 14, 2004 - We are pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Ruth, President of Canadian North. Tom's exceptional business skills and leadership will be avaluable asset to our northern management team. His demonstrated achievements in team building and revenue growth in customer-focused organizations will also be vital in continuing the successful journey of Canadian North. 

Tom brings extensive airline operations and management experience to his new position. For more than 10 years, Tom worked at Northwest Airlines with the last two serving as General Manager for the Eastern Region in their cargo department, proving to be a strong asset in the growth and expansion of the cargo division. 

Most recently, Tom served as Senior Vice President at Livingston International. Overseeing operations and logistics, Tom saw Livingston International more than triple their profits and grow their market capitalization from 35 million to well over 200 million, a testimony to Tom's strong leadership. 

Tom is a former naval officer and enjoys travel, sports and the outdoors. He is excited to make Yellowknife his new home along with Mary Kathleen. 

This is a significant moment for Canadian North. Since NorTerra purchased the airline in 1998, Carmen Loberg's term as president has always been temporary. As an airline, we have searched long and hard to find the right person to lead Canadian North, overseeing all operations. This person not only had to have a strong background but also a sincere appreciation for the north and the wonderful people and communities we serve. Tom Ruth is that person and we proudly welcome him on board. 

Click here to read the President's Message by Tom Ruth 

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NorTerra and Nunasi Sign Tootoo as Spokesperson

January 26, 2004 - The NorTerra Group and Nunasi Corporation are pleased to announce they have signed Nashville Predators Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk to play in the NHL, to a three-year deal as a spokesperson for the two organizations. 

"NorTerra is pleased to have re-signed Jordin and to welcome Nunasi Corporation on board. Jordin is such a positive role model for all Northerners and this will support him in continuing to be a positive influence," says Carmen Loberg, President of the NorTerra Group. "Resigning Jordin supports NorTerra's commitment to promoting economic and social opportunities that are beneficial to the North." 

The terms of the arrangement are not being made public but the deal means that Tootoo will represent both the NorTerra Group and Nunasi Corporation throughout the year and at various functions during the off season. As an advocate for Norterra and Nunasi, Tootoo will assist the companies by being part of their communications strategy and through personal appearances and autograph signings. 

Nunasi President and CEO Fred Hunt says Nunasi jumped at the chance of supporting Tootoo and getting him on the Nunasi team. "Jordin is a wonderful example that dreams do come true if you believe in yourself and work hard," he adds. "The Nunasi Corporation believes in supporting dreams and we were, and are, a critical part of the Nunavut dream. Our team has been working for more than 25 years to secure the economic future of Nunavut, an important part of the territory's future." 

Tootoo says he values the partnership he has with NorTerra and looks forward to expanding a relationship with Nunasi. "Both NorTerra and Nunasi are committed to promoting opportunities for youth across the North and I'm pleased to be a partner in helping to make others aware of their efforts," he says. "As a beneficiary, I think it's important that we seize every opportunity to enhance the work of our two organizations." 

Both Hunt and Loberg and many other Northerners were in Edmonton Saturday to watch Tootoo and the Predators take on the Edmonton Oilers. Following Friday's signing a special reception was held where many Northerners, including numerous youngsters from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut who were flown to Edmonton by Canadian North for the game, got a chance to reconnect with Tootoo. Another group of youngsters will be flown to the game in Ottawa on March 6. 

Tootoo has recorded three goals and three assists and 85 penalty minutes in 46 games with Nashville this year. The 20-year-old right winger spent most of his childhood in Rankin Inlet before heading south to pursue his dream of an NHL career. 

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