Elder mobility vans to hit the road in 5 Nunavut communities

GN partners with Arctic Training Ltd. to operate vehicles, train drivers

Premier P.J. Akeeagok, left, lends an arm to Martha Tikivik as the pair descend from a new elders van in Iqaluit on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)

By Jeff Pelletier - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Elders in five Nunavut communities could soon have a new smooth, wheelchair-accessible ride around town.

Premier P.J. Akeeagok announced Friday that Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay, Coral Harbour, Pangnirtung and Rankin Inlet are the first communities to receive new mobility vans for elders.

“It was very clear that [elders] wanted mobility issues to be addressed in all communities,” Akeeagok said, speaking to reporters at the Elders Qammaq in Iqaluit.

“Every other community that doesn’t have vans is a priority, and I’m really looking forward to addressing that as we’re moving forward.”

The five vehicles, which the Government of Nunavut paid a total of around $1 million to acquire, have four seats and room to accommodate two people seated in wheelchairs.

Iqaluit and Cambridge Bay’s vans have arrived, while the other three are still in transit on sealift.

However, operational funding is still to be determined.

“It’s important to us that this is a free service for elders, which then comes with funding,” said Paul Dainton, the owner of Arctic Training Ltd.

Asked about how much money it will take to run the program, Dainton did not offer a figure but said there are a number of costs expected.

“We’re looking at fuel, we’re looking at insurance, we’re looking at the wages for the local drivers that we’re able to hire, so all that’s taken into consideration for this,” he said.

Akeeagok noted that not only is the GN looking for funding for the actual operations, but wants to expand the project as a whole.

“We are working with our federal partners as well as with the proponent here to try and explore federal funds to be able to secure the operation and maintenance, but we know it will require a lot of partners,” he said.

“We know there’s going to be logistical challenges before us, but I’m confident we’ll overcome any obstacle that’s coming through.”

The hope is to secure that funding in time for the vans to hit the road between January and spring 2025.

The GN has partnered with the non-profit Northern Future Skills Development to get all the vans rolling.

Through that partnership, Arctic Training Ltd. is tasked with training drivers and operating the vehicles, while Caribou Cabs will assist with dispatching in all five communities.

After the announcement, Akeeagok and Dainton accompanied some elders on the van.

Some stopped for a quick peek, while others got seated and went for a drive around the community.

“It’s great, very nice,” said Martha Tikivik, speaking in Inuktitut through an interpreter.

Tikivik, who uses a cane, said she would prefer it if there were an extra railing on the van’s ramp.

Noah Nakashook, who uses a walker, was eager to go for a drive.

He said it was a comfortable experience, and he’ll be using the van to get around.

“It’s going to be good for people like me and other people who are disabled or have a problem with [their] legs,” Nakashook said.

“It’s going to help me quite a bit.”

 

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(4) Comments:

  1. Posted by Coincidentally on

    Sure NN, Push the Premiers’ shuffling DMs behind so it will not have negative comments. This nice photo op should erase the truth. The best photo of the month! Thank you JP aka PJ

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  2. Posted by photo members on

    Nice photo opp. Sounds like the nunavut 3000. Good plan with no funding.

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  3. Posted by Nunavummiut on

    Well done. Thank you.
    This is needed and so good to hear good stories too.

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  4. Posted by Mialee on

    Akuulook Angakuluapik Martha, We have a lot of good memories of our old time . Chowniapiiga Elisapee was my our family. My play mate from the 1950’s. The best of times of our time will never be taken away from us. I want to say thank you of our best year of times during that time. Akuloovusee. Angakuuluapeek . Thank you for the memories. Happy Thanks giving. Okuak. Mialee Z.

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