Nunavik’s Canadian Rangers get insurance from KRG

IQALUIT — The Kativik Regional Government has decided to provide insurance to Nunavik’s Canadian Rangers brigades so they’ll be covered while out on search and rescue missions.

“Until activated by the Armed Forces, they don’t get any coverage,” explained KRG chairman Johnny Adams. “And this usually occurs a few days after an incident. That’s been a concern for us here because more and more we’re calling on the Rangers to do searches on the land.”

With the new insurance scheme, Rangers will fall under the KRG’s policy. In the event of injury or death, Rangers or their families will receive up to $100,000 worth of coverage, or disability benefits.

The $6 million that the KRG is setting aside this year for support to hunters and trappers will pay for the additional premiums for the Rangers.

The regional council approved its largest budget ever, a global annual budget of $63 million. This sum includes $50 million for maintaining municipal operations throughout Nunavik, and an additional $13 million for new infrastructure.

The recent municipal elections in Nunavik mean that the KRG’s council has acquired some new faces. New members of the KRG executive include: Kuujjuaq Mayor Michael Gordon, Puvirnituq councillor Josie E. Tullaugak, and Mary Palliser from Inukjuak as vice-chairman.

Palliser, Tullaugaq and executive member Maggie Emudluk from Kangiqsualujjuaq will represent the KRG on the newly formed Kativik Housing Bureau.

Regional councillor Adamie Ainalik from Ivujivik will sit on the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, replacing Jean Dupuis in this capacity, while Charlie Tukkiapik from Quartaq joins the board of the Kativik Regional School Board.

The regional council meets again the week of February 21, 2000 in Kangirsuk.