Nunavut to drop isolation hub rule for fully vaccinated travellers

Easing of year-old travel requirement to take effect next Monday

Two-week stays at southern hotels will become a thing of the past for some as of next week, when the Government of Nunavut ends the isolation hub requirement for fully vaccinated travellers. The government announced the change Monday. (Photo by Mélanie Ritchot)

By Dustin Patar

Nunavut is changing its isolation hub requirement to allow travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the territory without spending two weeks isolating in a designated hotel.

The change will take effect next Monday, June 14, said chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson during a news briefing on Monday morning.

According to Patterson, the decision was made based on growing evidence that the vaccines not only reduce the likelihood of somebody getting the infection but also reduce the severity of the disease and slow the spread of the virus.

“All of those things made it clear that it’s time to do this,” Patterson said.

People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose of a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Anyone seeking to avoid isolating before returning to Nunavut will need to provide the Health Department with proof of vaccination, such as a letter from a doctor or a copy of a vaccination card, Patterson said. They will then be given a letter of exemption that allows them to board a flight.

“We’re treating [the vaccine] as another reason to give somebody an exemption,” Patterson said. “Not just from isolation in the south, but from the need to isolate.”

Anyone caught providing inaccurate information will be fined, Patterson said.

Restrictions haven’t been eased for people who are only partially vaccinated because their level of protection against certain variants of the virus is too low, he said.

Anyone travelling with a non-vaccinated person — including parents with non-vaccinated children — will still be required to go through the two-week stay in a hub.

“As we’ve seen in Northwest Territories and other jurisdictions, children can bring the virus into the community and can spread it,” said Patterson.

“Right now [that] would increase the risk for people who haven’t been able to get vaccinated.”

Those who have medical reasons preventing them from getting vaccinated will continue to have to go through the isolation hubs.

Nunavut’s isolation hubs have been in place since March 2020 as a way to prevent travellers from potentially bringing the respiratory virus into the territory from the south. Nunavummiut returning home from the south and non-essential workers coming into the territory have been required to spend two weeks isolating at a hotel in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton or Yellowknife beforehand.

Monday’s announcement also means that fully vaccinated travellers leaving Iqaluit will no longer need to isolate at their final in-territory destination as of June 14.

The Nunavut government also announced Monday that, as of June 14, masks will be mandatory in every community across the territory anywhere and anytime physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Monday’s announcement comes as two recoveries and no new cases were reported in the territory.

There is currently one active case in Nunavut, in Iqaluit.

Now that Kinngait has no active cases of COVID-19 and nobody in isolation, public health restrictions will be eased beginning on June 10:

  • Indoor home gatherings can have 15 people in addition to household members, and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed.
  • Long-term care facilities, continuing care centres, boarding homes and health centres may allow a maximum of two visitors from their immediate family, per resident, with mandatory masks.
  • Daycares may open and schools may open at Stage 2. That means middle and high school instruction will be a blend of in-school and remote learning. Students will attend school two to three days per week with staggered schedules to reduce physical interaction.
  • Government offices and private businesses may also open with masks and physical distancing.
  • Indoor gatherings for support groups and group counselling can re-open for up to 20 people and indoor public gatherings including places of worship and arenas can take place for up to 50 people or 50 per cent of the facility's capacity, whichever is less.
  • Food service and licensed establishments may open for regular business at 50 per cent capacity.

In Iqaluit, beginning on Friday, June 11, personal services such as hairdressers and beauty salons may also open.

The Government of Nunavut’s next COVID-19 news briefing will be on Thursday.

Share This Story

(83) Comments:

  1. Posted by WTF’er on

    LOL @ GN. Isolation was hard for parents with young kids, not the vacationers watching Netflix, drinking beer and smoking weed. Now these fine folks get to fly home and the parents still get to try to entertain their kids with rocks found in the hub parking lot. This is a joke.

    66
    22
    • Posted by Trust the science on

      Kids under 12 who are not fully vaccinated are still at risk of being infected and transporting the virus to Nunavut. It sucks, but for now, it is what it is. Don’t like the rules don’t travel. Simple as that.

      52
      32
      • Posted by What’s the dif?!!? on

        If you did a little research, you’d find that those who have been vaccinated can still get COVID, and can still spread it!! So, what’s the difference?!!

        25
        25
        • Posted by Bud on

          Contracting the disease when fully vaccinated goes down by 95% and having a viral load high enough to transmit it is even less likely.

          There are select cases since there are 10s of millions of people, but the risk is very near 0.

          37
          3
        • Posted by 649 on

          You have a better chance with winning the 649 than spreading the virus while vaccinated.

          18
          4
    • Posted by Not happy on

      You damn if you do, you damn if you don’t. This is a true fact for you, isn’t it?

      5
      18
  2. Posted by Make them pay on

    The GN has reportedly spent over $100 million on these hubs. It is now time to make non-essential traveller’s who are not vaccinated pay their isolation themselves.

    55
    9
    • Posted by No they did not on

      No they did not, this is Fed money.

      22
      16
    • Posted by Except it’s illegal on

      They knew it would be illegal. They are the only jurisdiction who required this, and did not offer and at home option, so they had to pay, and ended up paying a lot of it with federal funding. Inuit orgs got preferred to administrate for millions.

      13
      4
  3. Posted by Parents and kids get shafted again on

    Another blow from a Government that calls itself “family friendly”. A huge portion of adults in this territory are parents to kids under 12, but this doesn’t surprise me since this territory is run by directors in their mid 50s and policy analysts straight out of grad schools.
    .
    We’ve had to keep paying daycare that we barely used so that we could keep our spot (because childcare situation in Nunavut is abysmal), been ostracized by directors who begin by saying you can take time off work/work from home but in reality they want you in the office working like nothing’s changed, shutting down playgrounds when all other provinces didn’t do that (that one’s on Mayor Kenny). The list goes on. I know having kids isn’t supposed to be easy, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, but it feels like our own government is screwing us over again.
    .
    All other provinces who are planning on reopening are giving a pass to unvaccinated kids who travel with their parents. Of course Nunavut wouldn’t. Whatever. More of the same. I hate being one of those people who say “bla bla bla I’m moving away” but the next time the crap hits the fan in Nunavut (and it will) I don’t feel like being here for it. It sucks because I grew up here, but it might be time to try my luck elsewhere.

    74
    32
    • Posted by Move away on

      As you mentioned….bla, bla, bla, move away and find out how much fun it will be in an infected Province with horrible COVID protection

      25
      45
    • Posted by Children First on

      To “Parents…” thank you for this comment. You have expressed exactly my feelings and frustration. I don’t understand why you got thumbs down. Being a parent is the most difficult thing. Between the closed daycares that we still had to pay, the pressure to go to work despite no daycare, the unevitable LWOP, the paycut, the full time commitment to our children, we have been let down by our leaders.

      26
      14
  4. Posted by Toonik’s Grandfather on

    Great News, great news. Now I can visiit friends and relatives in NU this summer.

    33
    4
  5. Posted by I live in the Arctic on

    good news for all who’re fully vaccinated, this is the way.

    40
    9
    • Posted by Fully vaccinated since March. on

      I’m fully vaccinated since March, I’ve had to travel to the south for medical reason, & had to do the whole 14 day Isolation alone, its difficult when SOME others in the hotel weren’t following rules of the Isolation requirements. They had visitors from the city to the Isolation hub in the parking lot, & not wearing a mask also. This was so difficult for me to be around & watch, it is NOT Fair when other people follow the rules of Isolation & still get the same trouble as someone who broke the rules knowingly.

      28
      2
  6. Posted by tuktuborel on

    This is good news for the fully vaccinated.
    Those travelling with young kids on Medical travel will still be subject to the 14 days of isolation and there is no recourse as no vaccines are approved for younger than 12 years and may not be for a while.
    Its a step in the right direction though.

    36
    9
  7. Posted by Parent on

    This is great news, but what about the parent(s) that are fully vaccinated and were escorting a child? Do we apply for a exception letter and only isolate for a week?

    17
    8
    • Posted by Sorry on

      Nope, sorry. GN doesn’t care enough to look into what other provinces were doing for kids. You’re on your own unfortunately.

      33
      13
  8. Posted by Children First on

    I’m glad for the single people living here and the vaccinated out-of-Nunavut workers as they won’t have to isolate in the jail-hubs. However, yet again, this governement keeps failing our children. How is this fair to them? Children younger than 12 CANNOT get the vaccine. They very rarely get sick, and if they do, it is very mild. They have suffered enough. They have made huge sacrifices for the benefit of adults and elders. How is this not discrimination based on age? The hubs are absolute hell hole for young kids. The food is not kids friendly, it is greasy, salty and non healthy. There is no place for them to play. No safe space to run around without dealing with second-hand smoke. The only option for them is sit on the couch all day and watch tv. How healthy?!? As a vaccinated mother of young kids, I am very unhappy about this. Vaccinated parents should be able to isolate at home.

    81
    17
    • Posted by Amanda on

      Great points. Me too. So frustrating.

      16
      3
  9. Posted by Draw the curtain on Safety Theatre on

    Great news, glad to hear it. Now when can we drop the mask facade?

    23
    35
    • Posted by anon on

      Not even. Normalize wearing masks in public, I haven’t had a cold or anything else since last winter between the masks and hand hygiene. I’ll keep wearing mine.

      39
      16
      • Posted by Frank on

        Good. Keep wearing a mask for the rest of your life so you don’t ever catch a cold. WTF!

        24
        16
      • Posted by Draw the curtain on Safety Theatre on

        Wear it all you want, I’m vaccinated and am tired of wearing the useless thing.

        Just so you know: In the US the Center for Disease Control has stated that it is safe for people who are fully vaccinated to go unmasked. Why not us?

        24
        12
  10. Posted by questions on

    I think if parents are double vaccinated and their kids are too young to get theirs then there needs to be exceptions. how about a test instead of having to stay in the HUB for a full 2 weeks?

    also now that fully vaccinated travelers can bypass I think all eligible adults who are not vaccinated should have to front the bill for the stay at the iso hub. thoughts?

    69
    11
    • Posted by tuktuborel on

      Good point. Why cant the GN make use of the test kits. You test before you fly, you isolate while waiting for result. Negative test go home and self isolate. Take another test after 3-5 days, if negative, freedom. Got to cost less than the isolation hotel stay, way less and better for mental health

      18
      1
  11. Posted by Jimmy on

    Good news, finally, though it should have come a month ago.

    9
    5
  12. Posted by Nuyakitchok on

    Good newsdor those who are vaccinated feel bad for those who didn’t get their vaccine also for children who had no choice not to get vaccine.. For non smoker’s at solation hub we have no choice but to inhale second hand smoke sad especially for babies and children.. No playground no walking space no gym to excersice.. The food always greasy nothing healthy at so called isolation hub.. Having children wait for both parents to come home is a long wait I’m sure we all cry before we can make it home.. My advice give patients time to walk give children time to play at a playground excersice room can be an option.. Give Nunavutmiut priority let us be heard..

    33
    5
  13. Posted by Enough is Enough on

    Ummmm if adults with two vaccinations are no longer considered to be a risk or at risk and can travel freely anywhere they wish, then why are we to fear children bringing Covid into the territory? Presumable the vaccinated adults in the territory will still be safe, despite Covid. Additionally, children who do contract Covid are not terribly affected, certainly not more so than from other prevalent illnesses. So again, what is the risk? We all need a break – this includes kids. At this point, we need to learn to live with Covid and we need to balance people’s quality of life and overall wellbeing against other risks. ENough is enough.

    54
    8
  14. Posted by Oscare on

    Good news for people who have had their 2 dose shots, but again we still are screwed because of our GN not taking into account of younger children can’t be vaccinated. We still have to isolate when on medical escorts with our children, get the children tested and upon a negative result, fly home the very next day.

    36
    7
  15. Posted by A step in the right direction on

    This is a step in the right direction. I don’t have young kids but I feel fully vaccinated parents with under 12 kids should be able to isolate at home. Maybe look at BC and their swish and gargle test which can be administered to young kids. So test them before they fly. Since Nunavut regularly send mothers to-be down south to have their babies, they shouldn’t have to isolate with their newborns in the hubs if the parents are fully vaccinated.

    But this is good news for families with teens, single people and fully vaccinated workers.

    37
    1
    • Posted by Well according to the science… on

      For those vaccinate mom’s to be who travel south to have babies there is zero reason for them to isolate in the way back. The leading research on the subject confirms the moms pass the vaccine to the baby, so they are good to go!

      15
      1
  16. Posted by Withheld on

    Segregation is well underway.

    19
    21
    • Posted by Different How? on

      It has ever been thus…

      3
      5
  17. Posted by Shawn on

    The government dictators need there head checked . All the provinces and territories are letting kid go with fully vaccinated parents . This is just another way to punish parents with children . 16 months of this and we still have to isolate crazy and the gross good to boot

    26
    23
  18. Posted by Be Real on

    To those who are still complaining, tell it to the one COVID-19 survivor in three who develops Long Covid, with symptoms that just continue on and on.
    .
    Unfortunately, this is FAR from over.

    24
    20
  19. Posted by Larry on

    Do away with the hubs and do more testing instead.

    37
    7
  20. Posted by Hub for some on

    No sane parent brought their young kids through that toxic disgusting hub willingly. The vast majority of people who went through didnt have kids or made arrangements and those are the people being rewarded now.
    .
    Just another example of how Nunavut is turning in a place for professional bureaucrats, not families.

    31
    14
    • Posted by Shawn on

      That is true . Outside of the room it is the dirties place and go outside and all you breathe is smoke even in rooms coming threw vents give our kids a break for god sake

      20
      8
  21. Posted by Shawn on

    I personally think that we’re at more of a risk doing two weeks in isolation hotel . All the staff there do not isolate . Last year we were in close contact with a guard in our hotel that had covid let’s just let our kids travel with there parents and put the politics behind thanks

    37
    9
  22. Posted by Disease carrying children on

    Kids under 12 will carry here…. Remember how they were given essential status and supposed to isolate, but then spread COVID at the Storehouse? And remember how those rotten kids went to karaoke and spit all over the mic and got everyone infected? Remember how they had all those house parties during the lockdown? You just can’t trust kids, they all got the covid all over their messy hands. Good job Lorne.

    31
    16
    • Posted by Shawn on

      To disease carrying children . My 4 and 8 year old kids will not be going to bar and if there was a vaccine for them they would have it . I guess you were never in a isolation hub . It’s no fun for kids and all those unshaven security guards probably can carry covid but the government don’t care just as long as all those government bureaucrats don’t have to isolate .

      16
      7
      • Posted by WHOOOOSH on

        Mr. Shawn,
        Please read the entire book before submitting your book report.

        13
        5
  23. Posted by Old Timer on

    About Time

    11
    2
  24. Posted by Donald on

    Sucks to be one of those antivaxers ? I wonder if some of them will get their vaccine now?

    31
    8
  25. Posted by The Old Trapper on

    I agree that it is time to allow fully vaccinated adults travel without isolating at a hub. Ideally there would be a 24 hour hold and rapid tests for fully vaccinated people at the hubs which would add a layer of protection. That would mean that test have to be turned around within 24 hours and I’m not sure that the GN would commit to that.
    .
    I do sympathize with those families with kids under 12 who cannot get vaccinated. Ideally all adults in Nunavut would be fully vaccinated by now, and then it would be less of a risk to allow children under 12 unrestricted travel. Unfortunately that is not the case as only 59.1% of Nunavut adults (12+) are fully vaccinated.
    .
    It is a fact that children can and do get infected, although they are often asymptomatic and rarely develop Covid-19 to the point where they require hospitalization. Of course this may change with the addition of more variants in southern Canada, let’s hope not.
    .
    To those complaining that families and children are not being treated “fairly” what do you propose? Remember the number one criteria to meet is to keep Covid-19 out of Nunavut, and away from people who have not been vaccinated. This cannot be done if kids are allowed unrestricted travel.
    .
    I think that the quarantine time could be reduced to 10 days from 14, that would help a little. As noted if all adults in Nunavut were vaccinated this would not be an issue. At this time 59.1% of adults (12+) are vaccinated in Nunavut. Compare that with Yukon (79.9%) and NWT (78.0%).
    .
    GN – you need to push vaccinations. Nunavut is now dead last in adults (12+) vaccinated and 59.1% is far from herd immunity.
    .
    For families with young kids, clinical trials are underway so expect vaccine approval, probably down to the ago of 5 by the end of summer.

    21
    22
    • Posted by WTF’er on

      You’ve said it, if all adults in Nunavut were vaccinated, this would not be a problem. Now, the vaccine has been available here for quite a while and one of the first place in the country, actually. Those who haven’t taken their shot by now, will not get it. I’ve done my part of protecting the more vulnerable in the last year and a half. The unvaccinated can live with the consequences of their decision. I should be allowed in the territory with my young kids as they CANNOT get any vaccines at this time.

      30
      6
    • Posted by Northern Guy on

      The hubs have been a failure. They didn’t keep Covid out of the Kivalliq and they didn’t keep Covid out of Iqaluit and they aren’t likely to do so in the future so long as the double standard applied to so called “essential workers” continues to exist. No to mention that any number of civil liberties groups are now taking a hard look at the legality of the entire endeavour.

      25
      19
    • Posted by Joe Exotic on

      Old Trapper

      To your question about what family with young children are proposing instead of the jail-hubs:

      SELF ISOLATE IN MY HOUSE

      IF BOTH PARENTS ARE SMART ENOUGH TO BE FULLY VACCINATED, THEY ARE SMART ENOUGH TO ISOLATE FOR 2 WEEKS WITH THEIR YOUNG KIDS IN THE FAMILY HOME UPON RETURN TO NUNAVUT.

      Zero chance to overwhelm the health care system, save a ton of money to the government, MAKES FAMILY HAPPY!

      15
      3
  26. Posted by Northern Guy on

    Time for a class-action lawsuit against the GN and CPOH. Requiring young children into two weeks of enforced confinement is not only illegal it could be construed as cruel and intentionally harmful, not to mention a gross violation of their charter rights.

    35
    24
    • Posted by Sam on

      Can’t blame this segregation of the innocent Nunavut children on the Catholic church this time, the leaders of Nunavut owns this one.

      14
      8
  27. Posted by Ian on

    i am vacinnated leaving friday for a week,thanks GN.FREEEEEEDDDDDOOOOMMMM

    11
    7
  28. Posted by Wake up on

    Good for Nunavut, Wake up Nunavik leaders and health board you waiting for what to do something about quarantine !!!!! A get my 2 shot of vaccinations and waiting for you tell some good news WAKE UP , WAKE UP. !!!!!!!!!!

    6
    1
  29. Posted by Where is the money? on

    Since the lockdown, I’ve paid 4500$ in daycare fees without getting any service in return. Yet, on May 11, 2021, Nunatsiaq made the following announcement: “the Government of Nunavut will receive $7.1 million in federal funds to support people who are isolating, increase enforcement for public health measures, help Nunavut Arctic College implement distance learning, and SUPPORT CHILD CARE SERVICES.”
    So my question is, as a very exhausted parent who needs a break and is extremely frustrated, where is the money? Our leaders are laughing at us.

    23
    6
  30. Posted by Breaking point on

    Today was a hard day. I feel like I’m running on empty. You try to be a team player, you follow the guidelines, get your vaccines and do your duty, you try to keep your kids happy and tell them things will get back to normal, that they’ll see grandma and grampa soon, you try stay positive despite lockdown, because you know the end is in sight, you hear rumours that the hub will close really soon…
    .
    And then a gut punch. Sorry folks. We know every other province is letting unvaxxed kids travel with their parents…but we can’t be too sure. Your kids will need to be classified with the same folks who think the government is injecting us with mind controlling magnets. And there’s no plan to deal with us. Iqaluit City councilor Kyle Sheppard and his twitter friends think people like me are just overreacting crybabies, that our turn will come. Maybe by the time they get home from Bali, they’ll make an announcement of when we won’t be confined to this town.
    .
    I’m just so drained and don’t know what to do anymore. I want to scream at the people who screwed us over today and the people who got what they wanted and don’t give a crap about people like us… but what good will it do.

    40
    13
    • Posted by Children First on

      Can someone enlighten me on these thumbs down you got? Seriously, I don’t get it. I totally understand your distress and your rage. How can people diminish that?

      17
      6
    • Posted by Twitter warrior on

      Kyle and his twitter army are just a bunch of narcissist’s with a lot of time on their hands.

      I too have kids ineligible for vaccines. Between the joke of Edsby and the constant slaps in the face from the GN over non medical travelers we have made a family decision that we are going to move and leave. Two years of half @ssed education and a toxic community, for our mental health we are going to move south and be jobless for a few months. Having a kid with a learning disability who needs intensive help is not something that can be helped here. The schools struggled before COVID to fill teaching positions. I can only imagine the amount of unfilled teaching jobs come August.

      15
      4
  31. Posted by S on

    Well, the new ‘hub policy’ is nearly a year and a half overdue; but hey, better late than never.

    10
    13
  32. Posted by Inuk1 on

    As a homeowner and father of young children, I simply don’t plan on taking any vacations if I can’t self-isolate in my home. There is no way I am putting my family through isolation hotel willingly. I guess we get to enjoy the time we have left in Nunavut because the next time we leave it’ll be on a one way ticket.

    38
    2
    • Posted by Transient worker on

      And no surprise, there are lots of people leaving Nunavut. As a decade long resident I have never felt like this is home. Always facing constant racism to “Go back home”, “white trash”, “stop taking my jobs”. After this 2 year lockdown of travel I too have had my fill. The toxicity of Nunavut will never change; racism, hatred, violence towards “transient workers”. I tried to make this a home for me and my family and was never welcome here. It’s sad that people are so focused on perpetuating this hatred to see beyond it. Try raising a white transgender teenager in Iqaluit and you will see the true “community values”. There reaches a point when you have to decide that giving up everything career wise is worth it for quality of life.

      I hope someday people here try and be unbiased, welcoming and learn to treat each other with respect, the way they want to be treated. You are driving away all your potential Allies.

      21
      12
      • Posted by different reality on

        While the mismanagement of the GN and the town of Iqaluit have also made me feel like moving, it’s interesting how us white folk seem to have different realities when it comes to “white racism” as you put it. Certain white people seem to be magnets for white racism… maybe it’s a 2-way street? I’ve experienced some nasty unwarranted comments like “go home” here and there, but they tend to come from people who are clearly under severe mental distress…and anyone who takes comments like that to heart (instead of feel empathy for the person who’s under mental distress) is probably too fragile to live in a place like Nunavut and more suitable for a bland suburb.

        15
        8
        • Posted by Your own reality on

          Interesting how you bring up “white racism”. Racism is racism, period. Some people are just hateful and ignorant, and saying those who are racist often have mental issues is just a scapegoat. Even blaming those who get discriminated against as being the one being racist? I’m sorry, what? Narcissistic much?
          And a news flash for you, trying to bash those pointing out the racism is having the opposite effect you think it does. Maybe you should not live in a glass house and throw so many stones

          11
          5
          • Posted by different reality on

            I don’t know, seems like there’s a bigger issue going on here with you. I know lots of white folks here who’ve been the target of nasty comments, but the ones who take them as personally as you do tend to other issues that go deeper than the comments themselves. Sometimes those people use the negative comments they get from Inuit in order to justify some of the nasty things they want to say about them.
            .
            I hope wherever you go that you find some sort of peace.

            7
            1
        • Posted by New to town? on

          You must be new to town. Give it some time and also walk in areas not the plateau. Have to come down off your high horse to see the real population.

          6
          10
      • Posted by Inuk1 on

        That isn’t where I was going with this at all, but I understand your frustrations. I’m from Nunavut, and this is my homeland. I agree with the poster below me, racism is a two-way street, and you need to toughen up if you want to live in Nunavut long term. White people are just as racist as Inuit and other cultures up here; we get a lot of workers from all over the world. Inuit see a lot of transient workers but once you show you’re committed to the north and build positive relationships with the community, maybe one day you can call it home.

        10
        4
        • Posted by Haven’t left in 2 years on

          I haven’t been down south to visit my family in 2 years now. I face racist remarks every day. I can’t even take a photograph without getting accused of “stealing your culture” when all I’m trying to do is document it and show it to a wider audience. So when do you allow me to call this place home? When I start my own junk pile of rusty metal and oils leeching into the land then bitch about an iron mine? When I shoot my first seal and let its carcass rot in the bay? Do I have to follow the IQ principles that NO INUIT PERSON FOLLOWS?

          4
          6
          • Posted by Sorry to hear….. on

            Sorry to hear about your encounters. But you chose the wrong place of Iqaluit to experience Nunavut. If you want all the great experiences, you must go to the smaller communities where the real culture and caring people are. That’s where the true Inuit shine their gratitude.

            8
            2
          • Posted by Inuk1 on

            You know nothing about me or every Inuk for that matter, so it isn’t helpful to pile us all into an idea you have stuck in your head. You’re doing that thing where you “use the negative comments they get from Inuit to justify some of the nasty things they want to say about them.” It isn’t helpful in this dialogue. I wish I could show you my home; it does not have oil leaking, nor does it have a rotting carcass on it. But I digress; you have issues with Iqaluit and are triggered by it, I don’t live there, and not every Inuk in Iqaluit behaves that way either. I don’t get to decide whether or not YOU can call it home; that is all in your comfort. I’ll end it at that.

            2
            2
  33. Posted by Credit on

    I will not graciously thank these people for returning my constitutional rights to me. It is about time.
    .
    I still am immensely critical of the unduly strict policy imposed by the GN, which could have allowed at-home isolation this entire time. It was no doubt made this way based on paternal mindsets that Inuit would not comply and infect others, and shows you the level of trust they have in their people. I am outraged by the flagrant disregard for mobility rights under the Charter, the incredibly slow vaccination start here despite every advantage from Ottawa, and the treatment of GN employees being denied special leave in quarantine while the government paid contractors $100/day pp plus isolation costs on a voluntary basis. I am angry over how government tender policies were thrown in the garbage and how favoritism and the rich friends of officials have been made richer. The free unattached handouts to airlines who have always ripped off Nunavummuit, and continued throughout the pandemic with excessive cargo costs and withholding refund money, stands in contrast to the empty GN words about helping citizens who are down and out. The amount of money wasted and abused needs to be investigated by someone with no agenda and the utmost authority. The amount that has been burned would have built many hospitals, schools and shelters. Heads need to roll. Accountability is needed now more than ever. Time to get to work.

    29
    14
  34. Posted by George on

    In typical government fashion, the they have graciously given us back (some) of our rights but with strings attached.

    We have to “apply” for the exemption and specify what day we want to travel. Why? If one can prove they are fully vaccinated they should be able to travel freely as in pre-pandemic days.

    Some will say that the “proof” is too easily forged. Apparently, the “letter of authorization” they give you is forgery-proof. Idiots! This is on the government for not coming up with a secure “vaccination passport”.

    The powers-that-be have become addicted to controlling our lives and will not give up that control unless the people simply take it away from them.

    11
    4
    • Posted by Pro vaxxer on

      You do realize that there is a digital record of everyone who has had their vaccine? Forgery or not for the letter, if you didn’t actually get the vaccine you won’t be getting exempt. The little card they give you is for your records only. XD

      • Posted by George on

        Oh, I’m fully vaccinated. Where is this “digital record” of which you speak? It should be on my ‘phone!

        3
        2
  35. Posted by Familes aren’t essential on

    If you’re an unvaccinated Canadian North Cargo employee who doesn’t know how to socially distance or wear a mask during your smoke break, and you like the Storehouse: PLEASE COME IN! YOU’RE ESSENTIAL!
    .
    If you’ve lived in Nunavut your entire life and are raising good, healthy kids: SORRY, YOU’RE KIDS MIGHT BE CARRYING A DISEASE SO YOU’LL HAVE TO STAY IN THIS AWFUL HOTEL FOR 2 WEEKS. YOU’RE NOT ESSENTIAL! YOU’RE THE PROBLEM! TRY AGAIN NEXT SUMMER!

    29
    7
    • Posted by WTF’er on

      That’s so true. Our “leaders” have been hiding and haven’t been hosting their dearly press conferences for a couple of weeks. They don’t seem to be able to take the pressure that comes after their weak decisions and don’t want to have to provide any explanation or supporting evidence. The tactic has been to issue a press communiqué, hide and hope time fixes their mess.

      19
      2
  36. Posted by Help reach herd immunity NU citizens!!! on

    So many northerners do not understand the importance of herd immunity with the vaccine. A lot of guidelines would be lifted by now if we were able to reach herd immunity. And I am surprised GN is allowing the hubs bypass even though we didn’t pass herd immunity. Not saying I am against that decision, I am actually happy about it. And agree with a lot on here about the children under 12 deal. If all family members over 12 are fully vaccinated in the household. Then the ones with children under 12 shouldn’t have to do the isolation deal.

    18
    3
  37. Posted by jail hubs on

    The first thing I was greeted with when entering my jail room was a bunch of bedbugs all over the sheets. They were not in the matress, just sitting on the sheets so I know they didnt clean my bed (or even look). THESE HOTELS ARE FILTHY. After I was moved into another room, THEY PUT SOMEONE IN THE ROOM WITH THE BUGS! The staff at these hotels DO NOT clean properly and the people of Nunavut are being forced to stay there.

    Stop wasting money on these useless hubs. The virus is here. What are we trying to keep out?

    16
    3
  38. Posted by Bubba on

    Arviat strong!!!

    7
    15
  39. Posted by my god on

    my god, its a step in the right direction. things proceed slowly, haven’t you all learned that? give it time.. things take time to evolve.
    step by step, just as every other province opens up in steps.

    stop complaining. many people have lost their lives during this pandemic and you’re upset because you can’t travel to Ottawa with your kids for a shopping trip? actually, you can but then you get a two-week all expenses paid hotel stay.

    jesus

    6
    12
    • Posted by Looser on

      Some people actually enjoy life by being active as opposed to being stuck in a couch eating chips and watching TV. Isolation hubs and children are not a good mix and by far an all inclusive vacation. Enjoy your most recent shows…

      11
      3
      • Posted by Ok on

        Ok, then I guess you shouldn’t travel eh? We are still in the middle of a global pandemic.

        5
        7
  40. Posted by I am happy they didn’t do home isolation…. on

    I am happy they didn’t allow home isolation. Sure, we have a lot of honest people who would follow guidelines. But look at all the others with addictions and just plain stubborn and no respect for others or even their kids. The positive counts would’ve been in the thousands by now as there would be a lot of house party celebrations that they got to buy cheap spirits with no cargo fee.

    It would have spread like it did in Arviat. People weren’t following procedures even with the virus present.
    Arviat Stubborn strong!!! Bubba.

    8
    10
    • Posted by Bubba on

      Bubba love to give the hugs and huggy love to hug Bubba. lots of love arviat

  41. Posted by Shawn on

    Let’s be realistic.the GN said when the case go down down south the isolation hubs will close . Well open your eyes me premier . We’ve had enough stop treating everybody like kids . We’re not in residential school .down south is going back to normal more and more every day . Not even you like to stay in isolation . Everyone seen that last year . You flew your plane to your camp and isolated there . LET US ISOLATE AT HOME PLEASE

    9
    3

Comments are closed.