QIA suspends non-essential programs and implements work-from-home procedures in compliance with the Government of Nunavut’s measures to mitigate COVID-19

In our continued efforts to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our employees and communities and assist in limiting the spread of COVID-19, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is escalating our prevention and mitigation measures by suspending non-essential program delivery until further notice.

For the time being all non-essential programs such as the Qikiqtani Cultural Activities Program (QCAP), the Qikiqtani Skills and Training for Employment Partnership (Q-STEP), Grants and Contributions and the Ilagiiktunut Nunalinnullu Pivalliajutisait Kiinaujat, the Bereavement and Compassionate Travel programs will be suspended.

The third round of QIA’s Emergency COVID-19 initiatives will continue to provide support to Qikiqtani Inuit. QIA’s grocery vouchers for Qikiqtani Elders are available from May 11 to June 22. All Qikiqtani Elders registered with Nunavut Tunngavik are automatically enrolled, including those who live outside of Nunavut. Elders in this case is anyone 60 or older as of June 30, 2021.

QIA will be reoffering the Emergency Land Access Initiative to assist Qikiqtani Inuit in affected communities to self isolate with their families on the land. Details of this program will be released shortly.

For further information regarding those two programs, please e-mail covid-19@qia.ca or leave a voicemail message on 867-975-8383.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the Government of Nunavut’s COVID-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or notify the community health centre, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days. Please do not go to the health centre in person.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. The best protection from spreading or catching the virus is physical distancing, wearing a mask, handwashing for at least 20 seconds, coughing and sneezing into an elbow and staying home as much as possible. 

For more information, please contact:

Will Hopkins, Acting Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
whopkins@qia.ca
867.222.0663 or
1.800.667.2742