Premier’s update:
Ullakkut,
Happy New Year.
As of this morning Nunavut has 244 positive cases of COVID-19.
We have active cases in 12 communities:
- 48 in Arviat;
- one in Baker Lake;
- one in Cambridge Bay;
- two in Chesterfield Inlet;
- 17 in Igloolik;
- 72 in Iqaluit;
- 23 in Kinngait;
- 19 in Pangnirtung;
- one in Pond Inlet;
- five in Qikiqtarjuaq;
- 45 in Rankin Inlet; and
- 10 in Sanirajak.
In addition, there is still one presumptive case in Sanikiluaq. We also have a presumptive case in Whale Cove. There are eight recoveries today. There have been 24 total recoveries in this outbreak.
We have received some data regarding the variant – to date most of the identified cases are Omicron. Dr. Patterson will provide more information on this. Dr. Patterson will also provide details on changes to Nunavut’s COVID-19 case management and testing protocols.
We have also received news that six Nunavut Elders have tested positive for COVID-19 at Embassy West Senior Living in Ottawa. This is the first outbreak the facility has had in its resident population since the pandemic began. The Government of Nunavut is closely monitoring this situation and providing ongoing support to our Elders.
As you know Dr. Patterson has placed Nunavut under a lockdown until at least January 17. Schools will remain closed and only essential Government of Nunavut employees will be working in offices. Minister of Human Resources Adam Arreak Lightstone will provide more details on plans for Government of Nunavut Employees today.
On Tuesday, January 11, Minister of Education, Pamela Gross will provide an update on plans for our schools.
My team and I have been in touch with the federal government asking for assistance to bolster our healthcare resources. We have also submitted our requests for Personal Protective Equipment and rapid antigen tests. The Department of Health has just procured 250,000 to 300,000 masks for the communities. They will be sending them directly to the Hamlets when they arrive. We are also expecting a shipment of Rapid Antigen Tests in the next few days. We hope that the tests will provide another tool for managing the outbreaks in our communities.
We know that overcrowding is contributing to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in our communities. As such, our government will continue to advocate for housing for Nunavummiut.
Our teams continue to be in constant communication with the Hamlets – we are listening to your needs and doing our best to respond to your requests. I hope to have an update on new supports for Hamlets next week.
On another note, I want to make a special plea to Nunavut’s daycares. We need you, more than ever before. I am asking that you re-open your doors, to help keep our critical services operational. Our health care workers, store employees, water and waste management workers must go above and beyond to help our territory during this severe wave of COVID-19. Many of these critical services are now close to breaking point. Staff are exhausted – balancing work and childcare – which is unsustainable for many. Minister Gross is working with daycares to see what we can do to provide daycare facilities and staff incentives and supports to open their doors. I hope that we can find a solution to support our critical workers so they can do their job.
We have never had this many cases of COVID-19 in our territory. Most of us know a few families who are grappling with the strain of isolation. Thank you for doing your part to keep Nunavut safe. Although essential, isolating can be difficult and lonely. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, please call for help. You can contact the Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line at 867-979-3333 or toll-free at 1-800-265-3333.
Please continue to do your part to keep Nunavut safe from Omicron.
- Stay home and avoid gathering with anyone who does not live with you
- Get vaccinated and encouraging your loved ones to do the same
- And get your booster shot when possible
- Wear a mask
- Get tested and isolate if you have any COVID symptoms
We all need to keep adhering to Dr. Patterson’s advice – together we can get through this. Be kind, be patient, and stay safe.
Qujannamiik.
Minister of Human Resources Update:
Ullakkut,
In the past few weeks Human Resources staff have been working around the clock to address the Government of Nunavut’s staffing needs during this COVID-19 outbreak.
Our priority is to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all our staff while providing essential services for Nunavummiut.
In accordance with guidelines provided by the Chief Public Health Officer and the Worker’s Safety and Compensation Commission the Government of Nunavut has transitioned to a work from home protocol from January 4 to17, 2022.
All public servants, including essential service positions, are encouraged to work from home as much as possible.
Please only go to your workplace if required.
If you are required to be in the office, keep your numbers small, in accordance with public health measures.
We want to make sure that all our employees stay safe as they deliver services to Nunavummiut.
GN employee are encouraged to contact their supervisors to determine if they are categorized as essential and to make arrangements to work from home.
The GN has provided various supports to help employees work from home.
This includes:
- IT supports and remote access to work emails,
- video conferencing,
- shared network drives, and
- software applications
The Department of HR has also distributed updated guidelines and tips for working from home and in the office at this time.
The re-opening of GN offices is subject to public health guidelines determined by Dr. Patterson. Currently, Nunavut is in a lockdown until January 17.
If continued closure is to take place, a new update will be provided.
The GN will support our public servants to isolate when required. A special leave code is in place to address isolation. Employees are encouraged to speak to their supervisor about their specific situation.
I would like to take this time to thank our partners at the:
- Nunavut Employees Union;
- the Nunavut Teacher’s Association; and
- the Worker’s Safety and Compensation Commission.
Together we have been working collaboratively for the health and safety of all our public servants in response to the COVID public health measures.
Chief Public Health Officer Update:
Good morning,
I want to start off by verifying that yesterday we confirmed that Omicron is the dominant variant of COVID-19 in the territory. As we have seen in other jurisdictions, this variant spreads very quickly.
I know everyone is concerned by the rapid rise of cases across the territory. The best way forward is for everyone to reduce nonessential social interactions to as few as possible, and to move them outdoors. If you are in a public indoor space, you must wear a mask over your mouth and nose. We are getting reports that people are using take home test to clear themselves from isolation early. This increases the risk of COVID-19 spreading. Using a negative test to leave isolation early increases the chance you will spread COVID to other people. Please, complete isolation as directed.
Yesterday, we announced changes to how we will manage future COVID-19 testing. Moving forward we will focus confirmatory testing on new communities and in high-risk settings, and those who are hospitalized. For communities with outbreaks, we will be relying on symptomatic diagnosis for the majority of situations. This means, for example, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, and live in a home with someone who has active COVID-19, you may not be tested. Evidence shows that the Omicron variant has an almost 100% positivity rate in a household.
We are also urging Nunavummiut not to call or go to the health centres, hospital or public health units for COVID-19 symptoms unless it is an emergency. If you have questions, call the hotline at 1-888-975-8601. Please be patient. The call volume is very high and wait times can be in excess of an hour.
As I mentioned in the last press update, self-testing units will be available at gateway airports in the coming days. When these kits arrive they will offered to all travelers, allowing them to test themselves twice after returning to Nunavut. These kits may help reduce the spread, but only if Nunavummiut continue to follow all other measures. Instructions on how to use the kits will be included and are available on the GN website on COVID-19 resources page.
Thank you.
As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:
Department of Health Services
For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to:
https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to:
https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path
For information on upcoming vaccine clinics go to:
https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination
COVID stats to date: January 6, 2022
| Total Tests | Total confirmed cases | Total active cases | Total recovered cases | Deaths | Total persons vaccinated with at least one dose in Nunavut | Total persons vaccinated with two doses in Nunavut |
| 26,036 | 946 | 244 | 694 | 4 | 30,908 | 24,832 |
* Confirmed cases include those meeting the national case definitions. Persons followed includes individuals with specific symptoms and exposures as well as others who are self-monitoring or self-isolated. Not all of these individuals have symptoms or require testing.
*There may be a delay reporting attribution and statistics from cases acquired in Southern Canada. 12 cases that were detected out of territory have been attributed to Nunavut. This includes 3 deaths. Not all NU residents with COVID-19 detected out of territory will be attributed to Nunavut.
COVID-19 community case statistics: January 6, 2022
| Community |
COVID-19 status |
Time period |
Public case count yesterday (TOTAL) |
Public case count today (TOTAL) | Change from yesterday (cases) | Cumulative Recovered | Change from yesterday (recoveries) | Total Active Cases |
| Kinngait | Ongoing | Since 01/02/2022 | 7 | 23 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Pond Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Chesterfield Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Cambridge Bay | Ongoing | Since 12/30/2021 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Igloolik | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
16 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
| Baker Lake | Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
Arviat |
Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 48 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 |
| Sanirajak | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
14 | 17 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 10 |
| Qikiqtarjuaq | Ongoing |
Since 12/28/2021 |
6 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Rankin Inlet | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
45 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
| Pangnirtung | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
20 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
| Iqaluit | Ongoing | Since 11/04/2021 | 86 | 86 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 72 |
| TOTAL | 247 | 268 | 21 | 24 | 8 | 244 |
COVID-19 vaccination status: December 21, 2021
(No update this week due to holiday closure)
Details/Limitations:
This information shows the number of doses given in a community as of January 4, 2022. The percentage of vaccine administered is vaccine administered divided by the Nunavut population estimate for 18 and older.
Territorial totals for doses are an accurate summary. The community level data is under review to ensure appropriate attribution. Community totals will be adjusted as needed. This may lead to minor fluctuations in the percentages by community.
Doses are typically attributed to the community in which they are administered.
Total doses given will include residents and non-residents, including rotational workers.
Multiple communities represent individuals who received doses in two separate communities, or in communities that are not their place of residence.
An individual may have received dose 1 and/or dose 2 outside of their community of residence.
This does not account for people who may have been vaccinated partially or fully out of territory.
A high percentage in one community does not equal herd immunity. There is no established or defined percentage of what herd immunity is for COVID-19. Whatever herd immunity may be it cannot achieved with current vaccine approvals (e.g. no vaccine available for children under twelve).
Source:
Statistics Canada, Demography Division, Special tabulations. Prepared by: Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, January 27, 2021.
Dose numbers are from the Department of Health's Meditech system.
Eligible adults in community are defined as the number of individuals 18 and older as per the 2020 population estimates.
The community population estimates are "non-official" since they are not based on components of population growth (births, deaths and migration). They should be used with caution.
Testing stats to date per community: January 6, 2022
| Community |
Tests done |
Tests Positive | Tests Negative |
| Kinngait (Since 2 January 2022) | 66 | 23 | 43 |
| Pond Inlet (Since 1 January 2022) | 42 | 1 | 41 |
| Chesterfield Inlet (Since 1 January 2022) | 8 | 2 | 6 |
| Cambridge bay (Since 30 December 2021) | 10 | 1 | 9 |
| Igloolik (Since 29 December) | 151 | 18 | 133 |
| Baker Lake (Since 29 December) | 29 | 1 | 28 |
| Arviat (Since 29 December) | 160 | 48 | 112 |
| Sanirajak (Since 29 December) | 112 | 17 | 95 |
| Qikiqtarjuaq (Since 28 December) | 77 | 6 | 71 |
| Rankin Inlet (Since 23 December) | 457 | 45 | 412 |
| Pangnirtung (Since 23 December 2021) | 209 | 20 | 189 |
| Iqaluit (Since 23 December 2021) | 1071 | 86 | 985 |
Isolation population:
| Traveler Type | Guests in Isolation as of January 5 |
| Medical | 45 |
| Public | 6 |
| EMTI | 1 |
| Construction | 0 |
| Total | 53 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
| Departure Date | # of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites |
| Jan. 5, 2022 | 0 |
| Jan. 5, 2022 | 6 |
| Jan. 6, 2022 | 7 |
| Jan. 7, 2022 | 16 |
| Jan. 8, 2022 | 0 |
| Total | 29 |
Department of Health Travel programs
Ongoing services:
Medical travel and essential duty travel continues to be booked, after hours services available for both. Specialist clinics scheduled for January are providing surgical services only and medical travel is being actioned for patients.
Adjusted services:
Unit has been secured for medical/public travellers who test positive for COVID-19 at airport and in need of isolation in Iqaluit. No other services were interrupted. Medical/duty travel being schedule
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
Appointments for Specialist Clinics have been cancelled, surgeries are proceeding (Genecology and ENT), afterhours staff continue to be available. Accommodation secured for medical/public travellers who test positive for covid-19 at the airport and require accommodation.
Some equipment has been secured to allow for working from home for travel specialists. This continues to be a priority in order to ensure medical/duty travel continues as well as minimizing potential exposure of staff in an office setting. Until sufficient equipment has been secured, a staggered schedule will be implemented to ensure continuity of service and safe distancing for staff.
Department of Finance Services
Ongoing services:
NULC Stores
The NULC stores will continue to operate.
The store hours for Iqaluit (EST) are as follows:
- Sunday – Closed
- Monday – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (customers aged 60+ only)
- Tuesday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Thursday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Friday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Saturday – Noon to 7 p.m.
The store hours for Rankin Inlet (CST) are as follows:
- Sunday – Closed
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Thursday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Friday – Noon to 7 p.m.
- Saturday – Noon to 7 p.m.
To reduce and prevent the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, the NULC has implemented social distancing measures in the store. For staff and public safety, the NULC will be limiting the number of customers allowed in the store at a time. Customers must stand at least two meters apart while waiting in line outside the store. Masks are mandatory in and outside of the store.
The store does not accept cash. Debit card and credit card (including prepaid credit cards) must be used. Prepaid credit cards are available for sale at various banks, Northmart and Canada Post. You can load money directly onto the card and use it for purchases.
Liquor Permits
The NULC will continue selling liquor import permits in Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet in-person or over the phone.
In Iqaluit, you can drop by the NULC store on Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday to Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. or call 867-975-6869 (EST).
In Rankin Inlet, you can call 867-645-8575 or 855-844-5488 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. (CST).
Community liquor orders
For community liquor orders, please call the Rankin Inlet office at 867-645-8575 or 855-844-5488 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. (CST).
Vendor Payments and Invoices
Providing timely payments to our vendors remains a priority. All Government of Nunavut (GN) departments will continue to receive, process and pay vendor invoices. If you have a question regarding specific invoices, please contact the appropriate departments with the contact numbers below.
Departmental contact information
For payment of GN invoices, the Department of Finance is encouraging invoice payments through mailed cheques, internet banking or credit card. For credit card payments, please call the following numbers:
- Iqaluit: 867-975-5808
- Rankin Inlet: 867-645-8517
- Cambridge Bay: 867-983-4043
Employee Pay Information
All GN employees will continue to be paid as scheduled on January 7, 2022.
Employees who receive cheques will continue to receive them as usual. If your community has banking services, we encourage you to set up a bank account to ensure timely receipt of your pay. For those who receive direct deposit, paystubs will be issued at a later date.
For casuals who would normally submit a timesheet on January 6, no time sheet will be required. Relief employees who worked during the period December 25 to January 7 will need to submit a time sheet in the regular manner.
For more information, please contact Tracey Moyles, Director of Compensation and Benefits at tmoyles@gov.nu.ca.
Taxation
The GN continues to collect taxes as usual. Taxes can be paid by cheque, credit card, or electronic fund transfer through the following options:
- Via phone by calling toll-free number 1-800-316-3324;
- Via mail to P.O. Box 2260, Stn 300, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0; or
- On-line through arrangements with financial institutions.
For tax inquiries, please email the following addresses:
- Employer payroll tax - payrolltax@gov.nu.ca
- Insurance tax - insurance@gov.nu.ca
- Petroleum tax - petroleumtax@gov.nu.ca
- Property tax - propertytax@gov.nu.ca
- Tobacco tax - tobaccotax@gov.nu.ca
Downloadable forms and other information regarding each of Nunavut’s taxes can be found at www.gov.nu.ca/finance.
Department of Justice Services
Community Justice
Individuals are asked to contact the on-call Family Abuse Intervention Act (FAIA) line if they have any questions or need support using the following number 1-844-534-1038.
Community Corrections
Community Corrections offices will be closed to the public until further notice. All Community Corrections clients are to report by phone using the following contact information:
- South Baffin 867-899-1380.
- North Baffin 867-899-1380.
- Kilvalliq 867-645-6779.
- Kitikmeot 867-391-0130.
Correctional Facilities
Corrections will implement safety protocols to prevent Covid-19 from entering our facilities and mitigate the risk of spread in the event it does. Measures in place include suspending all outside visitation and non-essential traffic. We appreciate the patience and support from inmates and their families in taking this step as we are aware this is not easy.
Labour Standards
The Labour Standards Office can be contacted by phone using the following:
- Phone:1-867-975-6322.
- Toll Free: 1-877-806-8402.
- Fax: 1-867-975-6367.
Court Services
The Nunavut Court of Justice is currently closed to the public by order of the Court. This decision will be revisited on February 7, 2022.
Victims Services
The Victim Services Office can be contacted using the following:
- Phone: 1-866-456-5216.
- Email: victimservices@gov.nu.ca.
Rental Office
The Rental Office can be contacted using the following:
- Phone: 1-867-975-6314.
- Email: Rentaloffice@gov.nu.ca.
Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
The Office of the Public Guardian can be contacted using the following:
For Trustee:
- Phone: 1-867-222-4039.
- Email: Public.Trustee@gov.nu.ca.
For Public Guardian:
- Phone: 1-867-222-1805.
- Email Publicguardian@gov.nu.ca.
Family Support
The Family Support Office can be contacted using the following:
- Telephone: 1-867-975-6112 or tollfree at 1-800-792-4183.
- Email: fsp@gov.nu.ca.
Department of Education Services
New developments in your programs/services:
K-12 Schools
- All K-12 schools are closed until January 17, 2022 or until advised by the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO).
- School leaders may go into their school to do building checks.
- School staff who do not need to isolate can enter schools for planning purposes during the week of January 10, following strict health and safety protocols. Staff should minimize the amount of time they spend in the school.
- School closures will not affect staff pay.
- January diploma exams for Nunavut students have been cancelled due to the delays in students’ return to school after the holiday break and the evolving COVID-19 situation across the territory.
- This decision applies to the January 2022 exams only. Decisions around the April and June diploma exams will be made at a later date.
- Students who were scheduled to write a diploma exam in January 2022 will instead receive an exemption and their school mark will stand for 100 per cent of their overall mark. Students who intended to write diploma exams in January will have the option to do so during the April or June sessions, as available.
- The decision to cancel the January 2022 diploma exam sitting is in line with the approach taken by Alberta and the NWT.
- DEA staff should follow the direction of the CPHO as it relates to attending their workplace.
- Funding to DEAs will not be affected, and DEAs are encouraged to continue to pay their employees as normal.
Early Learning and Child Care
- Child care facilities in Nunavut are asked to reopen to keep critical services operational by providing child care for the children of critical industry workers.
- Critical industry workers include those positions crucial to the health and safety of Nunavummiut, including those in healthcare, municipal services, retail, and airlines.
- Child care facilities can reach out to the Department of Education for additional guidance.
- Government of Nunavut funding to all licensed child care facilities will continue as normal.
Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS)
- Students booking their FANS-eligible travel must follow the public health measures and recommendations of the CPHO.
- If students have questions about their travel, they can contact the FANS office for information at fanstravel@gov.nu.ca.
- Questions about FANS benefits can be sent to fans@gov.nu.ca.
- Response times from the FANS office may be delayed due to active COVID-19 cases in Arviat.
- FANS payments are not expected to be delayed.
Ongoing services:
- Questions about FANS benefits can be sent to fans@gov.nu.ca.
- Students with questions about their FANS-eligible travel can contact fanstravel@gov.nu.ca for information.
- The Department of Education’s updated school health and safety plans and supports can be found at: https://gov.nu.ca/education/information/2021-22-opening-plan-nunavut-sch....
Adjusted services:
- Response times from the FANS office may be delayed due to active COVID-19 cases in Arviat.
Closed/Cancelled/Suspended Services:
K-12 Schools
All K-12 schools are closed until January 17, 2022 or until advised by the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO).
January diploma exams for Nunavut students have been cancelled. Students who were scheduled to write a diploma exam in January 2022 will instead receive an exemption and their school mark will stand for 100% of their overall mark.
Early Learning and Child Care
- Child care facilities in Nunavut are asked to reopen to keep critical services operational by providing child care for the children of critical industry workers.
- Critical industry workers include those positions crucial to the health and safety of Nunavummiut, including those in healthcare, municipal services, retail, and airlines.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services
Ongoing services:
Nunavut Airports
Access to the airport is restricted to staff, passengers, and people providing necessary assistance to passengers. Masks must be worn at all times inside the airports. All staff and passengers must follow public health guidelines.
Adjusted services:
Nunavut Airports
Travel restrictions are in place for Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Igloolik, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Kinngait, Rankin Inlet, and Sanirajak. Travel to and from these communities is restricted to essential purposes only and for those returning to their home community or travelling to Southern Canada.
Non-essential travel, especially between communities in Nunavut, is highly discouraged.
Motor Vehicles
Motor Vehicle offices are offering remote assistance for essential services. Remote assistance is available by emailing MotorVehicles@gov.nu.ca or calling 1-888-975-5999.
Nunavummiut can also visit gov.nu.ca/motorvehicles to access:
- Driver’s Licence Renewals.
- General Identification Card Renewals.
- Vehicle Registration Renewals.
- Requests for Driver’s Abstracts, Vehicle Searches, and Accident Reports.
Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti (NNI)
Responses to NNI queries may be delayed. If you have an urgent NNI matter that requires immediate attention, please email edt@gov.nu.ca.
Community Operations:
Community Operations Offices are offering remote assistance. Nunavummiut are encouraged to communicate with their local Community Economic Development Officers or regional Economic Development Community Operations staff.
Community Operations Regional Office Contacts
- Kitikmeot
- Toll-free at 1-844-475-1166, phone at 867-982-7445, fax:(867-982-3204 or email at jcase@gov.nu.ca.
- Kivalliq
- Toll-free at 1-844-737-8627, phone at 867-645-8451, fax at 867-645-8455 or email at dfredlund@gov.nu.ca.
- North Baffin
- Toll-free phone at 1-888-899-7338, phone at 867-899-7344, fax at 867-899-7348 or email at csaunders@gov.nu.ca.
- South Baffin
- Toll-free: 1-888-899-7338, phone at 867-899-7346, fax at 867-899-7348 or email at mpeterloosie@gov.nu.ca.
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
Department of Economic Development and Transportation (EDT) have transitioned to work-from-home operations.
In-person meetings or training sessions hosted by the department are cancelled.
All non-urgent Motor Vehicles services, including driver's exams, are suspended.
Nunavut Visitors Centres will remain closed until further notice.
Department of Environment Services
Ongoing Services:
The Department of Environment will respond ONLY to problem wildlife and spills. All spills are to be reported to the Nunavut Spill Line at 867-920-8130, 24 hours a day: https://www.gov.nu.ca/environment/documents/spill-response
Closed/Cancelled/Suspended Services:
Wildlife research consultations with Baffin Island communities on management actions for Baffin Island caribou, planned for the last two weeks of January, will be re-scheduled when COVID restrictions allow, either in person or via conference calls.
Department of Human Resources Services
Ongoing services:
All current staffing competitions will continue and resumes for casual positions and current competitions can continue to be submitted by email, but staffing offices are closed to the public.
Adjusted services:
All employees of the Department of Human Resources have transitioned to the work-from-home model and continue to provide human resources services.
Department of Culture and Heritage services
Ongoing services:
Grants and Contributions
The Department of Culture and Heritage is currently still accepting Grants and Contribution applications for next fiscal year. Applications are due on January 31, 2022. Acknowledgment of applications may be delayed. Communications regarding this program will be ongoing during the shutdown.
Translation Services
The Translation Bureau at Culture and Heritage will continue to coordinate and provide translation services in all Official Languages to many departments and public agencies. Currently, translation priority will be given to materials related to public health, safety and security, public announcements, including social media, and other Cabinet materials. Non-essential materials and information may experience delays in completion due to increase of volume and diminished capacity.
Adjusted services:
Iqaluit Centennial Library
The Iqaluit Centennial Library is closed to the public as of January 4, 2022. The public does not have access to the library, the collections, and the computers however wireless internet access is being provided to patrons in the parking lot of the library. They must have personal computers or devices to access this. The library webpage is operational.
Qulliq Energy Corporation
Ongoing services:
QEC will continue to deliver safe and reliable power to Nunavummiut. The corporation has been working diligently to implement plans to protect employees as we continue performing required maintenance work and keep critically important electricity systems operating reliably across the territory.
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
All non-essential duty travel has been cancelled.
QEC Customer Care offices are closed across the territory until further notice. Customers are being served by QEC’s Baker Lake Customer Care team by phoning 1-866-710-4200 or emailing customercare@qec.nu.ca with questions or concerns about their accounts.
Nunavut Arctic College
Adjusted services:
The Nunavut Arctic College can confirm the following term start dates for its programs:
January 10, 2022, term start date (via remote learning):
- Bachelor of Science (Arctic Nursing) (Years 1-4, Iqaluit).
- Bachelor of Social Work Program.
- Pre- Health (Rankin Inlet & Iqaluit).
January 17, 2022, term start date (via remote learning):
- Environment Technology Program (year 1 & 2, Iqaluit).
- Management Studies (Year 1 & 2, Rankin Inlet).
- Nunavut Teacher Education Program (Years 1-4, all communities – Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Coral Harbour, Cambridge Bay, Baker Lake, Naujjat and Gjoa Haven).
- Social Service Worker Program.
Tentative January 17, 2022, term start (in person classes only)
These programs are currently not structured for remote learning, therefore their start dates are dependent on public health measures. Students of these programs should be prepared for further delays, pending COVID-19 cases in the territory and/or their specific community. Students in these programs are encouraged to connect with their instructor(s) for further updates.
- Adult Basis Education & Adult Basic Education: Essential Skills (where offered in Community Learning Centers).
- College Foundation (Iqaluit).
- Construction Trades:
- Apprenticeship (Oil Heater System Technician & Housing Maintainer).
- Skilled Trades Worker Diploma.
- Fur Design (Year 1, Iqaluit).
- Interpreter/Translator (Years 1 & 2, Post diploma certificate, Iqaluit).
- Inuit Studies (Years 1 & 2, Iqaluit).
- Jewellery and Metalwork (Year 1, Iqaluit).
- Office Administration (Iqaluit, Kinngait & Sanikiluaq).
To be determined (in person classes only)
- Piqqusilirivvik (Clyde River).
Students in any program who have questions are encouraged to reach out to their respective program for further information. NAC students should also monitor their arcticcollege.com email for additional updates, or check NAC’s Facebook page for updates.
NAC’s Information Technology division is working with programs to secure Information Technology (IT) supports to students who require that support. Students are encouraged to reach out to their respective programs to confirm their IT needs.
Nunavut Arctic College students, particularly students who travelled home over the holidays and residing in residence, are asked to respect Nunavut’s travel advisories. Students currently away from their College location are asked to not travel and to contact their program instructor(s) to let them know of their situation.
Students who have not yet submitted their student enrolment form for FANS can submit them via email to their respective campus registrar. Email contacts are:
- Nunatta Campus: nunatta@arcticcollege.ca
- Kivalliq Campus: kivalliq@arcticcolege.ca
- Sanatuliqsarvik Trades Training Center: NAC.communications@arcticcollege.ca
- Kitikmeot Campus: kitikmeot@arcticcollege.ca
Students of the Sanatuliqsarvik Trades Training Center and Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School who have questions about program and funding matters are asked to contact those facilities directly.
NAC students are able to make online payments for tuition and other fees through their banking services. Participating banks include CIBC, Royal Bank of Canada, First Nations Bank, TD and Scotia Bank.
Nunavummiut’s health is our shared responsibility! Remember: wash your hands and surfaces, practice social distancing, listen to the advice of health officials, and stay home if you’re sick.