Government of Nunavut allocates $3.25 million for community initiatives

News Release

Government of Nunavut allocates $3.25 million for community initiatives

Iqaluit, Nunavut (January 26, 2022) – Minister of Family Services, the Honourable Margaret Nakashuk, today announced the allocation of $3.25 million to support vulnerable Nunavummiut during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Department of Family Services recognizes that community-based solutions have the greatest impact in reducing poverty and we are committed to building the capacity of community organizations to develop and implement programs for our most vulnerable populations,” said Minister Nakashuk.

Food insecurity remains a major issue across Nunavut. Many people across the territory are hungry and need increased access to food for their families. The Department of Family Services has reallocated $1.25 million to provide community food organizations or municipalities with grants so they can support food security initiatives. The funds will be distributed to communities based on community need and capacity to deliver supports.

Family Services is also providing an additional $1 million for the Ikur’raq cabin building program, developed at the Poverty Reduction Roundtable in collaboration with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and community representatives. The department will provide grants of up to $40,000 to non-profit societies, Hunters and Trappers Organizations or municipalities for materials and costs associated with building the cabins. The cabins will provide a respite space where community members can go for short periods of time for a break from the stresses created by overcrowding and homelessness.

Finally, four not-for-profit organizations will receive $250,000 each to ease the operations of these entities, allowing programming to be more easily and successfully implemented. These organizations include Tukisigiarvik, Ilitaqsiniq, Ilisaqsivik and the Embrace Life Council.