Hi all,

I am your Community Director/Community Liaison Officer for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

I want to share an update on the Emergency Vouchers for Elders Initiative. This is part of the QIA COVID-19 response plan.

The response plan is designed to provide short-term financial support to Qikiqtani Inuit Elders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

QIA is delivering this program through Arctic Co-op stores in your community. The emergency initiative was initially in place for 12 weeks and has now been extended for the summer.

Here is how this works:

• Under this program, a Qikiqtani Inuk Elder is someone who is 60 years and older, living in Nunavut, and enrolled in the Qikiqtani region.
• Each voucher is available as a co-op gift card worth $250.
• The project has been extended, and there are now four additional gift cards available.
• You can go to the co-op store in your community to pick up your gift cards.
• The cards can be picked on the following dates:
  • July 21
  • August 4         August 18

You DO NOT need to register for this program.

All Qikiqtani Elders, registered with Nunavut Tunngavik, are automatically enrolled.

The gift cards can be used to buy groceries and supplies at Co-op stores.

There are no restrictions on what you can buy with your card.

This emergency support is for Elders.

QIA has asked the stores NOT to give out cards to someone who is not on the list.

We want as many Elders as possible to benefit.

If an Elder is not able to go to the Co-op they can contact QIA staff and appoint someone else to pick up the card for them.

For more information on this program you can e-mail: COVID-19@qia.ca or call: 1-867-975-8383.

QIA joins health authorities in encouraging Qikiqtani Inuit to protect yourself and your community.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to:

• Wash your hands often
• Cough and sneeze into your arm
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice social distancing
  • This means stay home
  • avoid getting together with others
  • Work from home if possible

DO NOT FORGET to self-isolate if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

These symptoms include a fever, cough or trouble breathing.

If the symptoms get worse call your local health clinic. Do not go to a clinic without calling first.

I know that these are difficult time, but if we all work together; we can protect our communities.

Please visit our website at qia.ca for more information and daily updates.

You can also get the latest news and updates from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Thank you very much for your time. Have a good day and stay safe.