Starting a Trades Business in Yukon, NWT and Nunavut

Starting out as a trades business in the territories

In Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, a new trades business depends on reliability, relationships and being reachable. Each territory has its own registry, certification unit and permit office, and Nunavut has specific rules on Inuktut in commercial advertising.

Written by Ali Sedighi, MBALast updated: 2026-10-22

The territories are a very different place to start a trades business. Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit are the largest centres, and smaller communities such as Dawson, Hay River, Inuvik, Rankin Inlet and Arviat are spread across enormous distances. Winters are long and extremely cold. Marketing here is less about competing for search results and more about being reliable, reachable and known.

The local market for a new trades owner

In the North, relationships drive work. Government departments, housing organisations, businesses and homeowners all rely on tradespeople they trust, and they remember who turned up and who did not.

Online marketing still has a role: a verified Google profile with accurate hours, a working phone number and a short description confirms who you are when someone hears your name. Keep it simple and current. Many customers will reach you by phone or text, so answering quickly matters more than any advertising.

Travel and logistics are a large part of the cost of work. Be clear in your quotes about travel, materials shipping and scheduling, so customers understand the price before you start.

Climate and seasonality

Across Yukon, the NWT and Nunavut, winter dominates the calendar, and homes and buildings need heat for most months. Outdoor and construction work is concentrated in a short season, and materials often need to be ordered well in advance.

That means planning matters. Book summer work early, keep in touch with past customers during winter, and use quieter periods to update your profile and collect reviews. Our first-year DIY plan can be adapted to a shorter building season.

Bodies to know in Yukon

For licensing, permits and certification, contact these Yukon government offices directly.

Business registration: the Yukon Corporate Online Registry (YCOR).
Trade certification: the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Unit.
Permits and licences: Building Safety and Standards, covering building, plumbing, electrical, gas and more. Gas fitters and gas contractors need a Yukon licence.
Workers' compensation: the Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board.

Bodies to know in the Northwest Territories

Business registration: Corporate Registries, Department of Justice.
Trade certification: Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Education, Culture and Employment.
Technical safety: the Electrical and Mechanical Safety unit handles permits and inspections for electrical, gas and boiler work.
Workers' compensation: the WSCC, which serves both the NWT and Nunavut.

Bodies to know in Nunavut

Business registration: Nunavut Legal Registries.
Trade certification: Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification.
Safety services: the Safety Services Division, including the chief building, electrical, boiler and gas, and elevator offices.
Workers' compensation: the WSCC.

Language in Nunavut advertising

If you market in Nunavut, plan for Inuktut from the start. Under the Inuit Language Protection Act, Inuktut has to appear on your signs and ads with at least equal prominence to any other language you use. Budget for professional translation of your vehicle signage, cards and any ads.

Programs worth knowing

Energy programs vary widely across the North. As of October 2026, Yukon's Dependable Grid Program, launched in 2026, offers rebates for dual-fuel systems. In the NWT, the Arctic Energy Alliance offers product rebates for the 2026/27 fiscal year while funds last. No current Nunavut home heating rebate was verified from an official source.

Send customers to the official pages to confirm eligibility.

How we would approach marketing in the territories

For a first-year owner in the North, we would usually suggest:

Register your business and confirm permits and certification with your territorial offices.
Set up a simple, accurate Google Business Profile with your community and hours.
Focus on relationships and repeat work, as described in our first 20 customers guide.
Answer every call and text quickly; in small markets, responsiveness is your reputation.

See all services, go back to all areas, or contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to advertise in Inuktut in Nunavut?

Yes, in most cases. Under Nunavut's language protection law, your signs, posters and ads need Inuktut that is no less prominent than English or French, and customers must be able to get service in Inuktut. The Languages Commissioner explains the details; we do not give legal advice.

Is a Google profile worth it in a small northern community?

Yes, mainly to confirm you are real and reachable. In small communities, most work comes through people you know, but customers and organisations still check your name, hours and phone number online.

Are the NWT safety rules changing?

The NWT passed a new Technical Safety Act in March 2026 that will phase disciplines in through regulations over several years. Until then the older acts apply. Check with the territorial Electrical and Mechanical Safety unit for current requirements.