This is a radio script shared with our Community Liaison Officers and Community Directors to share on local hamlet radio stations. It provides updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Nunavut.

Hi all,

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

I want to share some updates on what Nunavut is doing to address the impacts of COVID-19.

To date there are no cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut

The public health team currently has 116 Persons under Investigation for COVID-19 in Nunavut. 50 people previously under investigation have been cleared.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND

The Government of Canada announced a $305 million Indigenous Community Support Fund as part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

$45 million of this Plan will be allocated to Inuit across Canada.

$22.5 million will go to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. for work related to supporting Inuit in light of COVID-19.

INCOME SUPPORT

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government will provide workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with $2,000 per month for the next four months to help them pay their rent and buy groceries.

The process on how to apply is being designed now.

GROCERIES AND COUNTRY FOOD

The Government of Nunavut is asking Nunavummiut to not rush out to stock up on groceries.

Nunavut is getting regular supplies and food.

COVID-19 will not cause shortages in our store, but stockpiling will.

Please get what you need and leave enough for everyone.

The GN is providing Hunters and Trappers Organizations $25,000 per community to assist with filling community freezers.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has allocated $5,000 for each community to help harvesters providing for the community.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association is matching with an additional $5,000 for each Qikiqtani community to support harvesters.

The Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Kivalliq Inuit Association are doing the same for their communities.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Government of Nunavut has put in place a Small Business Support Program to assist businesses affected by COVID-19.

Economic Development and Tourism Nunavut is providing all small businesses who can show that they are in need of immediate assistance with financial assistance.

Small businesses can apply for a maximum of $5,000 (five thousand) per application.

Eligible operational costs that can be covered include: insurance, wages, utilities, rent, and inventory of goods.

Applicants have to meet the criteria set out by the territorial government.

COMMUNITY TOURISM & CULTURAL INDUSTRIES PROGRAM

Economic Development and Tourism Nunavut will be using their Community Tourism & Cultural Industries Program to provide artists support.

For now, the $200,000 cap on the program will be lifted so artists in need can get some help.

Economic Development and Tourism Nunavut is also extending the deadline for applications to April and May.

Applicants have to meet the criteria set out by the territorial government.

NUNAVUT QUEST

This year’s Nunavut Quest has been cancelled due to the threat of COVID-19.

QIA is a proud sponsor of the Nunavut Quest.

Our Association committed $2.9 million for a qimmiit revitalization program, including $100,000 in annual sponsorship for the Nunavut Quest from 2020-2027.

QIA staff are working with the organizers to identify next steps.

QIA ACTIVITIES

As we announced last week, QIA has implemented work-from-home procedures.

Our offices are closed until further notice.

If you need to receive essential services you can call us at 867-975-8400.

Or e-mail: info@qia.ca. You can also fax us at: 867-979-3238.

All QIA programs are suspended until further notice.

All program funded by QIA should be put on hold to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Timelines will be extended to allow you to deliver the programs in the future.

HOW TO STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

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

PLEASE REMEMBER . . . to minimize the spread of COVID-19 ALL public gatherings are now BANNED in Nunavut.

Only Nunavut residents and critical workers will be allowed into the territory.

The best way you can protect our community, our Elders and yourself is to STAY AT HOME and KEEP YOUR DISTANCE from each other.

Stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you come in contact with.

Do NOT visit friends or family.

Do NOT arrange play dates or group sports events.

Please be kind and check-up on Elders or vulnerable friends or family members who may need help. Call them or put groceries by their door but DO NOT VISIT.

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.

We are all in this together and united 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.