No idea on New North. I'm an automotive tech instead of heavy duty.
I've worked and lived all across the country and I choose to be up here. It is a great place to be and raise a family.
The economy is steady. Transfers from the Feds keep the lights on and keep the place recession proof - a total false economy. When commodity prices rise then we see an influx in mining exploration - it's a bit of the icing on the cake. There are a couple mines due to open in the coming years and there should be some good opportunities for HD techs. I could see an independent mobile maintenance guy doing quite well.
Steady gov jobs keep the Whitehorse housing market high. Wages are okay, but they're not quite as good as AB. Alberta does have a lower cost of living (primarily due to cheaper housing and natural gas heating). My time spent working in Peace River and living on a nearby acreage was more lucrative than my action up here.
The interests of the hippies vs natives vs locals vs tourists is quite the show. There is a lot of NIMBY to go around here, and Whitehorse is truly become a miniature version of Vancouver. The past 10 years have brought big changes, and a liberal mindset is quickly creeping in. Whitehorse is a 'young' town. I expect this mindset to change in ~20 years as the demographic ages.
I was lucky enough to grab a water-access cabin out of town - it is the only thing that allows me to live in town during the week and not go completely crazy. The gov'y campgrounds within a 2 hour drive of Whitehorse fill completely every summer weekend. For a big place with a sparse population the southern end of the Territory can sure feel busy at times.
Overall the Yukon is turning into the south at a rapid pace. Common sense is in short supply. Conversely, I've always had good luck up here. The Yukon is the sort of place where good, hard work is rewarded. Work with your nose to the ground and good fortune is usually pretty close behind.
Also, it doesn't hurt that the fishing and scenery is world class.
My cousin and I grabbed some autumn lakers at the camp a week or two ago ...
Wifey and I enjoying the view from the camp ...