Kuujjuaq, May 26, 2020 – Major regional organizations in Nunavik are joining forces to prepare for the gradual easing of COVID-19 measures. The plans to reopen have begun and it will take some time before major changes are implemented. Patience on the part of the population will be required as this phase begins in Nunavik’s effort to quell the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS), Kativik Regional Government (KRG), Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (KI), the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau (KMHB) and the Northern Villages speak with one voice when calling on Nunavimmiut to help orchestrate an appropriate reopening of their communities and the region’s activities.

Over the coming weeks, measures will gradually be eased and services will progressively reopen. Workplaces, childcare centres and economic activities will recommence and inter-community travel will gradually resume. Risks associated with the health and safety of residents have been evaluated, will continue to be monitored and will be used to determine important decisions that will have to be made. Communities will be involved throughout the process. There is no specific timeline and backtracking on some decisions may be necessary, should the situation require it.

There are committees to review the impact of the reopening on all aspects of Nunavik life, including the economy and the community. These committees include representatives from the regional organizations. They will soon begin making recommendations and decisions to remove restrictions that will apply gradually.

Regional organizations have joined forces, working towards a common goal to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being while offering guidance during these trying times. We are calling on people to be patient. Thoroughly carrying out basic hygiene measures needed to protect yourself, your family and your friends is still strongly encouraged. Wash your hands often and maintain a two-meter distance from others.

Everyone must be made aware that though restrictions may be eased, they could be imposed again if the containment of the spread of the COVID-19 virus is not effective.

The organizations are counting on the collaboration of Nunavimmiut to continue to comply with Public Health measures that are in place and to work together towards a successful reopening of Nunavik.

The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services is a public agency created in 1978 under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. It is responsible for nearly the entire Quebec territory located north of the 55th parallel in terms of the provision of health and social services for the inhabitants of the 14 communities.

The Kativik Regional Government is a non-ethnic public organization created in 1978, under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. The organization has jurisdiction over nearly the entire territory of Québec north of the 55th parallel in areas such as municipal matters, transportation, the environment, policing, employment, labour training, income security, childcare services, renewable resources, land-use planning, civil security and economic development.

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Sources:
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Kativik Regional Government

For information:

Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Josee Levesque
Communication Coordinator
Tel.: 819 964-2222

Kativik Regional Government
Rhéal Séguin
Director of Communications
Tel.: 819-964-2961 ext. 2358

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq
Jade Duchesneau-Bernier
Communications Coordinator
Tel.: 514 797-8220

Office municipal d’habitation Kativik
Marie-Christine Vanier
Communication’s Director, KMHB
Tel.:438-884-0502