Iqaluit, Nunavut –April 8. 2024 The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is pleased with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc’s (NTI) updated Compassionate and Bereavement Travel Policy that was passed at the March NTI Board of Directors meeting.  The bereavement and compassionate travel program are designed to assist Qikiqtani Inuit visit another family member who is terminally ill and facing imminent death or to attend a funeral of a deceased family member.

The updated policy came into affect on April 1, 2024.  Notable updates to the program policy include:

• Up to three family members are now eligible to claim compassionate and bereavement travel benefits;
• The Shipment of Remains is now included, on top of the Bereavement travel benefits;
• Hotel costs can now be claimed on a reimbursement basis, up to four nights or $1000 – whichever is lower, for members that stop over, due to weather, in another community travelling to their destination;
• Gas costs can now be claimed on a reimbursement basis, up to the total value of 3 plane tickets or $6000 – whichever is lower if a family chooses to travel to their destination by means other than air transport.

The QIA administers this program on behalf of NTI and can be contacted at the below addresses.  You can find the updated policy at www.qia.ca and the updated applications forms will also soon be available on the QIA website and through Community Liaison Officers in each Qikiqtani Community.

Grief and Bereavement Coordinator
Email: griefandbereavement@qia.ca
Phone: 867-975-8392
Toll free: 1-800-667-2743
Website: www.qia.ca

For media contact, please contact:

Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742
kflaherty@qia.ca