Cambridge Bay, Nunavut (September 5, 2025) – Today, Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Minister of Health John Main and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut David Joanasie joined community and territorial partners for a ceremonial tundra-turning event in Cambridge Bay to mark progress on the new 24-bed Kitikmeot Long-Term Care (LTC) Centre. This milestone symbolizes the beginning of construction work and represents a major advancement in Nunavut’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Elder care services across the territory.
“It is a profound honour to be in Cambridge Bay, where four years ago we committed to placing our Elders at the heart of our mandate and to bringing them home,” said Premier P.J. Akeeagok. “Today, with the progress of Nunavut’s second Long-Term Care Centre, we are fulfilling that promise – ensuring our Elders can age with dignity.”
“Today’s event reflects our ongoing commitment to Nunavut’s Elders,” said Minister Main. “We are making real progress to bring long-term care closer to home, ensuring Elders in the Kitikmeot region can receive the care they need in the communities they helped build. This milestone would not be possible without the dedication and collaboration of our community, territorial, and federal partners. More than just a new facility, this joint work is about dignity, respect, and supporting our Elders to age surrounded by culture, family and community.”
The Kitikmeot LTC Centre will be the second of its kind in Nunavut, following the successful opening of the long-term care facility in Rankin Inlet earlier this year. This new facility represents a significant investment in closing long-standing gaps in care across the territory, especially in the Kitikmeot region, which has historically been underserved.
“Strong partnerships are the foundation of successful infrastructure projects. The Kitikmeot LTC Centre would not be possible without the close collaboration between our departments, federal partners, and the local community.” said Minister Joanasie. “We’re proud to deliver infrastructure that is both resilient and responsive to the needs of Nunavummiut.”
Funding for this project is being delivered through the Canada-Nunavut Integrated Bilateral Agreement, under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This project highlights the importance of strong intergovernmental partnerships in advancing essential infrastructure in northern and remote communities.
"Today’s tundra turning marks the beginning of a project that will make a real difference in the lives of Elders and families across Cambridge Bay,” said Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Rebecca Chartrand. “This long-term care facility represents our shared commitment to ensuring that Nunavummiut can age with dignity, close to home and culture. Our new government is proud to support this important step forward, one that reflects our ongoing partnership with Nunavummiut."
The project’s design has been shaped by meaningful community input. A community engagement session held with the project architect in September 2024 allowed residents to share ideas and priorities for the centre, ensuring it reflects the values and cultural needs of the Kitikmeot region. The Kitikmeot LTC Centre will provide culturally rooted care for Elders with construction set to begin following the procurement process.