Childcare pouring jobs, money into region

In November, Nunavik’s daycare system sent $1.47 million into the communities to cover the daily operations of the region’s network of $7-a-day childcare.

Childcare centres in Nunavik are filled to 85 per cent capacity, according to information presented to the regional council. Kuujjuaq already has two daycare centres and additional centres are planned for Salluit, Puvirnituq and Umiujaq where there are long waiting lists for places.

However, at the regional council meeting, some councilors mentioned ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retraining local staff for the centres as well as ongoing problems with the condition of the newly-built facilities.

The total cost of recent repairs to the childcare building in Tasiujaq was $396,597, while in Ivujivik repairs are expected to tally at least $700,000 – about the same cost as the original construction.

The KRG is considering legal measures against the construction company that built these centres.

Meanwhile, a team of experts is being sent to several other Nunavik communities where buildings were recently constructed to see if more repairs to other childcare centres will be necessary.