Iqaluit woman ready to put her mechanical skills to work
Madelyn Moore prepares to launch her business in May
Self-taught unlicensed mechanic Madelyn Moore is getting ready to launch her own business to provide a less-expensive service in Iqaluit. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Updated April 14 at 7:15 p.m. ET
For most people in Iqaluit, this year’s March blizzards were a time to stay warm at home.
But Madelyn Moore had to gear up to go outside in the cold.
When she got a call from someone saying their car wouldn’t start because their battery needed a boost, Moore put on her snow pants, packed her battery jump-starter and got on the road.
“It was super sketchy,” she said.
The temperature was -50 C with the wind chill, and visibility was poor, so Moore drove 10 km/h just to be safe. Then, with stinging legs and frozen hands, she spent 10 minutes working to revive the frozen battery.
“He was really thankful,” she said of the caller. “It was just one of those calls where it’s like, ‘Holy, this is terrible.’”
“But it’s also those calls that make it all worth it because even though it was a blizzard, people still have places to be.”
Since February, Moore has provided about 60 jump-starts — a boost of electricity to restart a weak car battery — and every other day, she posts on Facebook letting people know she can help out if they need it.
“I have my booster and it doesn’t take much gas at all to go to a place and give someone a boost.”
With winter coming to an end, Moore hopes to turn her passion for automobiles into a business.
She plans to officially launch Arctic Driveway Doctor Moore’s Mobile Vehicle Service on May 1, after she secures her business licence with the City of Iqaluit.
As an unlicensed mechanic, her company would specialize in repairs that can be done in the client’s driveway, such as oil changes, brake system maintenance, and headlight, wiper blade and filter replacements.
“You don’t have to worry about coming to me and waiting for the car for six hours,” she said
“It’s all just in your driveway — 45 minutes to an hour, and you’re good to go.”
Moore plans to do the mechanical work on weekends and on weekdays after 4 p.m., in addition to her other job as a cook at the Inuusirvik Daycare.
She also plans to provide her services at a lower cost than the other mechanical shops, as she won’t have to pay for rent or utilities.
“It’s one of those things where you get to problem-solve,” she said of her love for fixing cars.
Moore learned most of her mechanical skills repairing her own silver Toyota Corolla as a “broke college student” in Nova Scotia.
But after a few years, 300,000 kilometres and a New Brunswick-to-British Columbia road trip, the car eventually died. Moore says she able to get it to a respectable mileage while making all the fixes herself.
“I do see cars as more than just a machine,” she said.
“If you take care of your cars, they’ll take care of you. And that’s one of the biggest things for me — I want to make taking care of people’s cars easier and more affordable.”
Note: This article was changed to provide the updated name of Madelyn Moore’s business
It’s pretty offensive to use the word mechanic here. That’s like me saying, “hey I can come to your house and change the batteries in your kids’ toys, change your light bulbs, or swap out your outlets to more modern ones. I’m an electrician!”
I agree. I thought you had to actually go to school to get a mechanic certificate?
It’s like saying I watched Grey’s Anatomy and I googled my medical symtoms, can I call myself a nurse/doctor?
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great idea to offer this service and the effort she has made to help out your fellow Iqaluimmiut, but maybe change the title of your business and not claim you are a mechanic.
With respect, I am starting off the buisness with the basics, oil changes brakes and things like that, with plans to if successful, add additional services. I can understand your point that doing just oil changes and brakes may not be considered a “real mechanic job” however I respectfully have to disagree.
We all start somewhere and this is where I am starting. I don’t have a shop to be able to provide many major repairs that some vehicles may need, at least I am starting off doing something as opposed to doing nothing and continuing to allow exorbitant prices for car repairs.
It’s a fine service to offer if you’re doing it properly, but you are calling yourself a mechanic when you are not. Your business name is “Arctic Driveway Doctor Moore’s Mobile Mechanic”. Maybe “Arctic Driveway Doctor Moore’s Mobile Vehicle Services”.
Mechanic is a trade. You must complete vocational training and/or an apprenticeship and get certified.
You cannot call yourself an engineer unless you are certified as an engineer.
You cannot call yourself an accountant unless you are certified as an accountant.
You cannot call yourself a doctor unless you are licensed to be a doctor.
You cannot call yourself a nurse unless you are licensed to be a nurse.
You cannot call yourself a plumber unless you are certified to be a plumber.
You cannot call yourself an electrician unless you are certified to be an electrician.
You cannot call yourself a mechanic unless you are certified to be a mechanic.
Heya, I understand your point, I’ve changed my Facebook Business page name to reflect this properly. It has been changed to “Arctic Driveway Doctor Moore’s Mobile Vehicle Service”. Did not mean any disrespect.
Have a good day
Automotive repair is not just a side hustle it is a regulated trade for a reason. Proper training, certification, and experience are critical, especially when it comes to safety critical systems like brakes, steering, and suspension.
These are not areas where trial-and-error or informal experience is acceptable. Mistakes in these systems can put not only the driver at risk, but everyone else on the road.
If someone is not a trained certified mechanic, they should limit their work to non-safety-related services things like oil changes, basic diagnostics, detailing, or minor maintenance. There is nothing wrong with starting there and building skills properly.
But offering repairs on critical safety components like brakes without formal qualifications is irresponsible and potentially dangerous for everyone on the roadways.
Hey, I have done lots of work on my own vehicles since 2019, from brakes to oil changes, to bumper replacements, and even some heavier repairs.
I have never had issues with brake failure, steering failure or suspension failure. I am not currently offering steering or suspension work at this time, however brakes are easy to do, especially after you’ve done your own for just over 7 years. I mean no disrespect when I say this, but I am not doing this by “Trial and Error” as you put it. I learn by doing, and doing I have done, for 7 years and counting.
I know you might not like what I am offering, but I offer it because I know how to do it. What you won’t see me offering is a complete engine rebuild, because I don’t have that experience. I offer what I have experience with. I offer what I know I can provide excellent services with. Just because I did not go to mechanic school, does not mean that I have no experience or I am starting this on a whim. I saw a demand, I am filling that demand with the best of intentions and the best of my knowledge.
Have a great day!
It’s not that people don’t like what you are offering, or are trying to knock you down in any way, they are just being particular about what it means to be a ‘mechanic.’
But hey, you listened and corrected yourself. I genuinely applaud you for that. Many (maybe most) people would just dig in.
Hopefully you’ll get a chance someday to do an apprenticeship and become a certified trades person.
If I lived in Iqaluit I wouldn’t hesitate use your services. I’m sure you will do well. Good luck.
I hear what you’re saying, and I respect that you’ve put time into learning and working on your own vehicles.
That said, there’s a key difference between working on your own vehicle and offering those same services to others for payment.
When you’re working on your own car, you’re assuming that risk personally.
Once you start charging others, the level of responsibility — and potential liability — changes significantly.
My concern isn’t about whether you’ve had success so far, it’s about the broader risk. Brakes, like steering and suspension, are safety-critical systems. If something goes wrong, it doesn’t just affect the person who hired you — it can put everyone on the road at risk. That’s exactly why automotive repair is a regulated trade, and why licensing, insurance, and formal training exist.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with offering services like oil changes, basic maintenance, or other non-safety-related work while building experience. But once it comes to critical systems like brakes, that’s where proper certification and coverage really matter.
This isn’t meant as a personal attack it’s about safety, liability, and making sure your customers and others using the road are protected.
Mechanics is absolutely a side hustle! And a great one.
Not only is it a great side hustle……. some people like me, work for beer!!
I have noticed that many people who are not mechanically inclined seem to think mechanics is a lot harder than it actually is. They are wrong.
Every single job Madelyn lists in this article is taught in a decent High School Shop/Mechanics class. That’s the difficulty level. As for modern disc brakes… to disassemble, clean, inspect, lube, replace pads and rotors is child’s play, teenagers do it all the time to their own cars. A very simple job. No more difficult than mounting a tv on the wall.
You don’t need a Red Seal Mechanic to fix brakes.
You don’t need a Red Seal Electrician to install a light.
You don’t need a Dr to diagnose a cold.
You don’t need a Red Seal Carpenter to install a laminate floor.
These are all the same difficulty level.
Well said…
What happens if something goes wrong with a car ? You are not a license automotive technician and you are working unsupervised without a journey person . I’m not hating on you I’m just confused how you can offer services without certifications .
None of the shops in town take responsibility when something “happens” after you pay them to work on your car. Everyone knows that. They shrug and charge you to work on it again. And it sits and waits in a queue and you don’t get communication about what’s happening with it. All they do is trial and error too and charge you for their time and failed attempts, so I’m not sure what everyone is freaking out about.
Honestly, best take here. The ones complaining are probably the ones she’s taking business away from.
I need an oil change. 😀 Seriously, I do need an oil change. Nothing but props to you for providing this service. Maybe you shouldn’t be calling yourself a mechanic, however, I think they are more pissed that you are a woman who is willing to charge affordable rates for something some us of have to wait in line for long periods of time to get done. I’m thankful Nunatsiaq has made us aware you are available to provide a much needed service. I wonder if all the “mechanics” at Jiffy Lube are certified. Fist pump at you Madelyn. Glad you’re out there.
Yea, you’re right, maybe she shouldn’t have used the word ‘mechanic’.
As for Jiffy Lube, they don’t call their technicians mechanics either, and they go through training. Who would have guessed.
I don’t see anyone talking about gender here except you, seems like projecting? An easy way to dismiss valid concerns. Another swing, another miss…?
Knock it off. She is trying to work 2 jobs to support herself and provide a community service. It may not fall under a licensed mechanic category but it sure fits a gap that many vehicle owners cannot or will not attempt.a guynamed bombardier started building snow machines in his garage. A couple of guys sold tires in thier spare time. Canadian tire evolved. Not to say her success will be to that level but she is trying to do something. A lot more of that initiative is required.
I’m not hating on her business, just calling it a mechanic business. Somebody going around with a booster pack to boost cars at a reasonable price is a great business, I love that.
But you can’t come on here saying that they’re a self-taught doctor and you’ll go to people’s houses to make them neocitran, change their bandages, and check their temperature. That doesn’t make you a doctor the same way this doesn’t make you a mechanic. Like I said, call your business vehicle services or something similar, but don’t call yourself a mechanic when you’re not.
Strong, important argument being made, but also a bit crude on the tone. It may come off as overly critical.
It’s great to see someone taking the initiative and offering a much needed service and some competition to the expensive and overpriced alternatives.
Go Madelyn! Ignore the twerps and garage owners comparing themselves to engineers and doctors; they are laughable and pompous.
Thank you! After hearing many stories about how expensive it is to get anything done at the shops, I knew I wanted to make a change. While everyone else is fighting in the comments, I’m planning on how to make this business succeed.
People are saying it shouldn’t be a side hustle, I never said it was a side hustle, it is a real legit business that I am starting to bring competition and lower prices. When people are having to pay from what I’ve been told $400 to almost $700 for an oil change, that just isn’t right in my opinion. Let alone what it costs to have any major repairs done.
Even if I can’t bring the cost of those major repairs down yet, I can still do what I can to make some of it less expensive. I do have plans if this succeeds to grow into more than just the basics. If I can see there is a demand, and people actually use my services, I am more than happy to continue growing my knowledge and being able to provide more than just basic maintenance in the future as I learn and grow.
Hey Madelyn, I’ve written a few of the comments on here doing some of the “fighting”. I see your comment that you’ve made the consideration to change the name away from mechanic, and I appreciate that you take feedback.
I don’t care if it’s a “side hustle”, and it doesn’t bother me that you’re a woman (as somebody else has mentioned out of nowhere). I think you’ve done what any good entrepreneur does, you’ve identified a need and you’re taking steps to provide a service to address it. It’s a brave and bold step to put yourself out there, I admire your initiative, and I wish you the best of luck.
I have been a backyard mechanic for decades. I have read all your comments on this subject. You have supplied no evidence at all to show you have any knowledge on this subject.
What qualifies you to be so critical?
Kudos to this enterprising young woman. For those of you up in arms that she’s not licenced or certified, neither are any of the “mechanics” at Upper Base Garage. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Yea, but that shouldn’t be happening either…
Shame on Nunatsiaq for posting this article, trying to get a good hearted local piece out and leaving the person is about to fend for themselves off this anonymous forum…Nunatsiaq has zero accountability as the press.
She has since (humbly) changed her business name. They should update their piece.
Shame on Nunatsiaq for calling Madelyn Iqaluit’s newest ‘mechanic’. They should have counseled her on the proper terminology. They suck for putting her in this spot I agree, but the comments are not mean spirited and are right to point out the distinction. That said, I don’t think anyone wants to knock Madelyn down. I hope she does well in her business, I expect she will.
From the comments, it sure looks like the Winnipeg NDP convention. Where everything is offensive and cancel culture flourishes, has moved to Iqaluit.
Tip of my hat to you, Madelyn. Power to you. Keep on zooming onward.
Nah, the criticism is legitimate and that is not hard to admit.
A lot of the push back from folks like you feels like anger the warm fuzzy vibe and the good feels have been challenged.
Either way the critics appear supportive of Madelyn overall.
If I have my brakes worked on by an uncertified person and I get into an accident with brake failure. Would that invalidate my insurance coverage? I have to draw the line on something as basic as brake safety as it may put our community members at risk. Oil change and boost people all you can though.
A lot of people work on their own vehicles, doing all kinds of things. This is something insurance doesn’t address.
You tried to save money!
I’ll hire you to change my oil and filter for a fair price. Good for you for your i initiative, entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude. Every journey begins with a first step.
You can reach me on Facebook at Arctic Driveway Doctor Moore’s Mobile Vehicle Services or reach out on my personal page as I post on Iqaluit Community Events!
Thank you for your support!
Good for you Madelyn! You are a rock star.
Ignore the drama queens here. Their comments are just noise and fluff.
No specific requirement
In Nunavut, while there is no specific requirement for a formal certificate to call yourself a mechanic, trade certification is voluntary for certain occupations, including automotive service technicians. However, for specific trades like carpentry or oil heat systems, certification is mandatory and typically involves completing an apprenticeship program. Therefore, while you can call yourself a mechanic without a formal certificate, obtaining certification may be beneficial for certain trades.
Nunavut Arctic College
Give the young lady a break, at least she offering a services that people need and she self taught and making a business out of it. Good luck, wishing you all the luck and I am hope you’re successful!
Good to see the majority of commentors willing to “cut some slack” to the entrepreneur for her initiative.
Here’s hoping this good will, will extend to Inuit that are self taught in various skills that most Southerners just ignore while demanding Southern style learning documents.
Long winter, eh.
Omg! Give her a break! At least she has the drive to be productive. Maybe some of the bums hanging around town all day could learn something!