Government services reps to visit Kangiqsujuaq

Service Canada and Services Québec representatives will visit Kangiqsujuaq to help the community better understand and access government services.

From Jan. 12 to 14, people can bring questions on topics such as taxes, pensions, employment insurance, address changes, disability benefits and adoption-related benefits, said Sabine George, assistant director for Services Nunavik.

Drop-in visits are at the Pingaluit National Park office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on those days.

“It’s an ongoing project and people from the communities like it because all their questions are answered right away when they come,” George said.

Services Nunavik was created in 2024 as a joint venture between the Kativik Regional Government and the Quebec government. George said it acts as “first door” for government services, since there are no permanent Service Canada or Services Québec offices in the region.

The visits are not new. Representatives went to Kuujjuaq and Tasuijaq in May last year, and Akulivik and Umiujaq in September.

George said visiting communities helps the representatives better understand northern realities such as travel delays and community barriers. That improves the way files from the North are handled once they return south.

“The mentality really changes and they are more and more open,” she said.

Plans for visits in the spring are being finalized and more information will be released when the locations are set.