Tusaajiapik elders home residents being relocated to Montreal

Residents of Kuujjuaq’s Tusaajiapik elders home are being relocated to private facilities in a Montreal suburb 1,500 kilometres south.

The move, in response to technical issues with the building, was announced in a joint statement issued Wednesday and signed by Larry Watt, Ungava Tulattavik Health Center’s executive director, and Jennifer Munick-Watkins, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services executive director.

“Transfers have begun and will continue until all residents have been safely relocated,” the release stated.

The relocation is part of a three-way agreement that also includes Argyle Inc.’s long-term housing and care centre, a private seniors home in the Montreal suburb of Pointe-Claire.

“The agreement aims to provide for a safe, caring and culturally sensitive living environment, including occasional access to traditional food and the support of three Inuit workers,” Wednesday’s statement continued.

Once all residents have been relocated, Tusaajiapik will close.

Watt and Munick-Watkins were both out of town on Thursday and unavailable to comment, staff at their respective organizations said.

In Kuujjuaq, a preliminary study is underway to assess the feasibility and scope of bringing Tusaajiapik up to current standards, the release said. A cost estimate is anticipated later this winter.

Tusaajiapik experienced “technical” issues with the building’s heating system, causing management to look into relocation options last April for 13 elders, 10 of whom were described at the time as in wheelchairs or bedridden.

Last spring, the elders home employed 35 staff members, including nurses, social workers and personal care attendants.