This month Kakivak Association will be providing premium pay to 196 Inuit employees at 17 childcare centres in the Qikiqtani Region.

 The Kakivak Association Board of Directors acknowledges the challenges that the childcare staff faced with unpredictable work schedules due to changing lockdown restrictions during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Childcare staff also had to deal with modifications in daily operations, including enhanced cleaning and sanitizing and changes to pick-up and drop-off procedures.

 “We are pleased to announce that we are providing a one-time payment to Inuit staff working at the childcare centres in the Qikiqtani Region,” said Jeremy Tunraluk, Chair of the Kakivak Association Board of Directors. “These employees worked during the Covid-19 pandemic at a time when childcare services were in high demand and work schedules and routines were unpredictable due to changing public health orders.”

 Each full-time employee will receive $2.50 for each hour worked during the period April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Part-time employees will receive $1.25 per hour for the same period. A total of $268,440 will be paid.

 Funds for this initiative come from the Inuit Early Learning and Childcare (IELCC) program, which is part of Kakivak Association’s Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada.

 Media Contact

 Eva Groves
egroves@kakivak.ca
(867) 979-8955