COVID-19 Department of Economic Development and Transportation services update
COVID-19 GN Update - January 25, 2021
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services
Ongoing services:
Airport operations and maintenance updates:
- Access to Air Terminal Buildings is restricted to staff, passengers, and people providing assistance to passengers.
- Masks must be worn at all times in Air Terminal Buildings.
- Follow all public health guidelines.
Clients who require assistance in applying for or following up on economic development program applications may contact the local Community Economic Development Officer in Arviat at @email or contact the department’s regional office in Rankin Inlet at 867-645-8450 and/or @email.
Motor Vehicles services in Arviat can be accessed by contacting the Motor Vehicles Division directly at @email or by calling 1-888-975-5999 (toll free) or 1-867-975-7800 for assistance. These services include First time Vehicle Registrations, and Temporary (Emergency) Travel Identification.
Motor Vehicles services are also available online at gov.nu.ca/motorvehicles where residents can request:
- Driver’s Licence Renewals.
- General Identification Card Renewals.
- Vehicle Registration Renewals.
- Requests for Driver’s Abstracts, Vehicle Searches, and Accident Reports.
Adjusted services:
Departmental staff in Arviat are transitioning to work-from home operations.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services - December 2, 2020
Ongoing services:
- Airport operations and maintenance continues.
- Access to all Air Terminal Buildings remain restricted to staff, passengers, and people providing assistance to passengers.
- Masks must be worn at all times in all Air Terminal Buildings.
- Follow all public health guidelines.
- Departmental services outside of Arviat have returned to in-office.
Adjusted services:
Following the lessening of public health restrictions, departmental offices outside of Arviat are reopening.
- Public facing services outside of Arviat are available in-person.
- As it is impractical to ensure full social distancing at all times, masks will be required for in-person services.
- Rankin Inlet’s Motor Vehicle Offices will reopen for in-person services on Monday December 7th.
- Nunavummiut are encouraged to access services electronically or by phone where possible.
- Motor Vehicle examination services have resumed. The schedule for community driver examinations is being developed.
- Many Motor Vehicles services remain additionally available online at gov.nu.ca/motorvehicles this includes:
- Driver’s Licence Renewals
- General Identification Card Renewals
- Vehicle Registration Renewals
- Requests for Driver’s Abstracts, Vehicle Searches, and Accident Reports
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
- All in-person departmentally hosted conference and in trainings.
- Department’s offices in Arviat remain closed.
COVID-19 GN Update - November 27, 2020
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation Update:
During the March lockdown my Department began a targeted initiative to assist artists, tourism operators, retailers and other small Nunavut businesses that have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
That initiative continues to provide up to $5,000 in Small Business Support Program funding to assist eligible businesses with minor working capital costs or extraordinary costs which, if not provided, may threaten the continued viability of the business or organization. Eligible operational costs include but are not limited to: rent, insurance coverage, WSCC coverage, license & permit fees, heating, power, phone, internet and other operating costs. The Department is not able to provide compensation for lost income or revenue.
These low-barrier contributions serve to back-stop Nunavut business, enabling them to meet short-term needs while adapting offerings or funding models.
This initiative has seen significant uptake; between launch and mid-November the first intake of applications provided a total of $439,834.75 in relief funding to 106 Nunavut business.
I’m here today to announce a second intake to this initiative. Once they have completing reporting on their first contributions, Small Nunavut Businesses can now access a second round of contributions up to $5,000. As a government we are committed to supporting self-reliance and local employment; Nunavut’s small businesses are an important part of our economy.
As before, to apply for the funding assistance, applicants simply need to complete and submit a short two-page application form and provide a basic explanation of how the business has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. My Department has also developed a one-page fillable form to assist applicants in calculating what their business-related working capital costs are, such as: rent, insurance coverage, WSCC coverage, license & permit fees, heating, power and other operating costs. This information as well as detailed regional contact details are available at gov.nu.ca/sbsp.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services
Today Minister Akeeagok launched a second intake for the Small Business Support Program’s dedicated COVID-19 support. Small Nunavut Businesses can now access a second round of contributions up to $5,000. These low-barrier contributions serve to back-stop Nunavut business, enabling them to meet short-term needs while adapting offerings or funding models.
A one-page fillable form is available to assist Small Nunavut Businesses in calculating what their business-related working capital costs are, such as: rent, insurance coverage, WSCC coverage, license & permit fees, heating, power and other operating costs. This information as well as detailed contact and the two page application is available at gov.nu.ca/sbsp.
Nunavummiut’s health is our shared responsibility! Remember: wash your hands and surfaces, practice social distancing, listen to the advice of health officials, and stay home if you’re sick.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - November 16, 2020
Ongoing services:
- EDT Offices across Nunavut will be transitioning to work-from-home on November 17, with all non-essential staff working from home by November 18.
- Airport operations and maintenance will continue.
- Access to all Air Terminal Buildings are restricted to staff, passengers, and people providing assistance to passengers.
- Masks must be worn at all times in all Nunavut Air Terminal Buildings.
Adjusted services:
- All other departmental services are transitioning to work-from-home, with only essential staff in-office.
- Motor Vehicles Registrations and most Licence Renewal are still being done.
- General Identification can be provided on an urgent basis only.
- No new Driver’s Licences can be processed until further notice.
- Applications for the following services can be found online at https://www.gov.nu.ca/motor_vehicles :
- Driver’s Licence Renewals
- General Identification Card Renewals
- Vehicle Registration Renewals
- Requests for Driver’s Abstracts, Vehicle Searches, and Accident Reports
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
All non-urgent Motor Vehicles Services in the including Driver Exams, All Visitors Center Programing, All departmentally hosted conference and in person training.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - November 13, 2020
Ongoing services:
- Airport operations and maintenance support will continue through the Nunavut Airports Division in Rankin Inlet.
- Access to the Kivalliq Terminal Buildings is restricted to staff, passengers, and people providing assistance to passengers.
- Masks must be worn at all times in all Nunavut Air Terminal Building.
Adjusted services:
- Community Mining Offices in Arviat will be working from home.
- Available motor Vehicle Services in the Kivalliq Region will be accessible online.
- All other departmental services in the Kivalliq Region are transitioning to work-from-home, with Directors and other essential staff in-office.
- Motor Vehicles Registrations and most Licence renewal are still being done.
- General Identification in the Kivalliq can be provided on an urgent basis only.
- No new Driver’s Licences can be processed in the Kivalliq until further notice.
- Applications for the following services can be found online at https://www.gov.nu.ca/motor_vehicles for:
- Driver’s Licence Renewals
- General Identification Card Renewals
- Vehicle Registration Renewals
- Requests for Driver’s Abstracts, Vehicle Searches, and Accident Reports
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
All non-urgent Motor Vehicles Services in the Kivalliq including driver exams, all Kivalliq Visitors Center programing, all departmentally hosted Kivalliq conferences and all in person training are suspended.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - November 11, 2020
Ongoing services:
- Airport operations and maintenance will continue.
- Access to the Rankin Inlet Air Terminal Building is restricted to staff, passengers, and people providing assistance to passengers
- Masks must be worn at all times in the Rankin Inlet Air Terminal Building.
Adjusted services:
- All other departmental services are transitioning to work-from-home, with Directors and other essential staff in-office.
- Motor Vehicles Registrations and most Licence renewal are still being done.
- General Identification can be provided on an urgent basis only.
- No new Driver’s Licences can be processed until further notice.
- Applications for the following services can be found online at https://www.gov.nu.ca/motor_vehicles :
- Driver’s Licence Renewals
- General Identification Card Renewals
- Vehicle Registration Renewals
- Requests for Driver’s Abstracts, Vehicle Searches, and Accident Reports
- Clients can download a pdf application form from the website and email it directly to @email
- Other services can be accessed by contacting the Motor Vehicles Division directly at @email or by calling 1-888-975-5999 (toll free) or 1-867-975-7800 for assistance.
- These services include First time Vehicle Registration and Temporary (Emergency) Travel Identification
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
- All non-urgent Motor Vehicles Services including Driver Exams, all Visitors Center Programing, all departmentally hosted conference and in person training.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - July 20, 2020
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation update:
As part of the recovery and resiliency plan for Tourism and Cultural Industries, I'm pleased to announce the launch of ShopNunavut.ca, a platform highlighting local products, services, and experiences that are available to Nunavummiut.
Developed in partnership with Destination Nunavut, Travel Nunavut and Nunavut Economic Development Association, ShopNunavut.ca aims to help Nunavut's small business and tourism community through the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing a one-stop shop for all the various products and services available in the territory. The platform will be active until the end of 2020.
Once on ShopNunavut.ca, Nunavummiut will have access to a variety of services such as: StayNunavut, which provides information on accommodations throughout the territory; EatNunavut – a comprehensive list of restaurants; and information on tour operators, outfitters, artists and craftspeople through EnjoyNunavut.
Also on ShopNunavut.ca, Nunavummiut will have access to an exciting new website developed by Travel Nunavut. StaycationNunavut.ca provides up-to-date trip-planning resources and information on what tourism opportunities exist throughout the territory. The website will also provide a space for Nunavut's tourism operators to showcase and advertise new packages and offerings explicitly tailored to local and Northern audiences.
On behalf of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and our partners, Destination Nunavut, Travel Nunavut, and Nunavut’s Economic Development Association, I encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity and use ShopNunavut.ca to buy local, eat local and take part in the local tourism activities that are available.
I invite you to participate in the weekly contests starting July 27 which will be available on ShopNunavut Facebook page and Instagram. The challenges will vary each week and prizes will be awarded in each community.
Go out on the land with local experts and learn about Inuit culture. Discover all the wildlife and beautiful landscapes our unique territory has to offer. Purchase locally harvested country foods and support local artists by purchasing authentic Nunavut art to enhance your homes, your offices, and your place of business.
Local businesses make our communities more sustainable, play an important role in our economy and keep our culture and tradition alive for all of us to enjoy. ShopNunavut and help our local businesses thrive. Thank you.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - May 1, 2020
1,285 non-medical masks have been shipped to Pond Inlet to assist with the GN’s rapid response to the confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.
The shipment included instructions on the use of the masks – in Nunavut’s official languages.
Masks distribution to essential services staff, first responders, elders, people with health conditions and the public-at-large will be coordinated through the Municipality of Pond Inlet.
In-territory production and distribution capacity has grown to between 2,000 and 3,000 non-medical masks per week.
A total of 20 seamstresses are involved in the project, with additional seamstresses being contracted this week as production is expanded to Rankin Inlet, Taloyoak and Pangnirtung (via Nunavut Development Corporation subsidiaries).
The GN has developed a ‘how to use a mask’ guide, as well as “how to wear a mask guide”. Both are available on the GN website in all official languages at https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - April 30, 2020
Community Operations Office in Pond Inlet remains closed. For inquiries please write to @email
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - April 29, 2020
As announced on April 22, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation (EDT) is working jointly with Nunavut Development Corporation (NDC) to produce non-medical masks for public use. This represents an initial investment of $35,000.
The Government of Nunavut’s production of non-medical mask is ongoing; to date over 2,000 masks have been produced by local seamstresses.
The goal of this initiative is to provide a steady supply of masks that will allow Nunavut to comply with the latest Transport Canada requirements for travellers, as well as ensure specific groups such as non-medical front line staff, Elders, and Nunavummiut with pre-existing health conditions can use masks as an additional layer of protection.
A simple guide on how to make a washable non-medical mask can be found in all languages at: https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus. The guide is based on the Government of Canada’s suggested mask pattern.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation has also developed a guide on how to use the masks that are being produced by the Government of Nunavut. Instructions in all languages can be found at: https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus. This guide will also be distributed with every shipment of masks to communities.
Please remember that non-medical masks provide additional protection. They do not replace social distancing and other protective measures.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - April 22, 2020
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation (EDT) is working jointly with Nunavut Development Corporation (NDC) to produce non-medical masks for public use. This represents an initial investment of $35,000.
The goal of this initiative is to provide a steady supply of masks that will allow Nunavut to comply with the latest Transport Canada requirements for travellers, as well as ensure specific groups such as non-medical front line staff, Elders and Nunavummiut with pre-existing health conditions can use masks as an additional layer of protection.
The masks are made of cotton, are washable, re-usable and are made according to national standards and guidelines. Kits will be sent to seamstresses with production guidelines and directions.
Simple how-to instructions are being developed so people can sew their own masks at home.
Non-medical masks provide additional protection. They do not replace social distancing and other protective measures.
WHAT IS AN APPROPRIATE NON-MEDICAL MASK OR FACE COVERING?
Non-medical face masks or face coverings should:
- be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen)
- be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping
- fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
- allow for easy breathing
- be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment
- be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
- maintain their shape after washing and drying
Some masks also include a pocket to accommodate a paper towel or disposable coffee filter, for increased benefit. If possible, use different fabrics for each side of the mask, so you know which side faces your mouth and which side is out.
Non-medical masks or face coverings:
- should not be placed on children under the age of two years
- should not be placed on anyone unable to remove them without assistance or anyone who has trouble breathing
- should not be made of plastic or other non-breathable materials
- should not be made exclusively of materials that easily fall apart, such as tissues
- should not be secured with tape or other inappropriate materials
- should not be shared with others
- should not impair vision or interfere with tasks
HOW TO PUT ON A NON-MEDICAL MASK OR FACE COVERING
- Ensure the face covering is clean and dry.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before touching the mask. If none is available, use hand sanitizer with a minimum 60% alcohol base.
- Ensure your hair is away from your face.
- Place the face covering over your nose and mouth and secure to your head or ears with its ties or elastics.
- Adjust if needed to ensure nose and mouth are fully covered.
- The mask should fit snugly to the cheeks and there should not be any gaps.
- Repeat Step 2.
While wearing a non-medical mask or face covering, it is important to avoid touching your face. If you do touch your mask or face, you should immediately wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer with a minimum 60% alcohol base.
HOW TO REMOVE A NON-MEDICAL MASK OR FACE COVERING
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
- If none is available, use hand sanitizer with a minimum 60% alcohol base.
- Remove the face covering by un-tying it or removing the loops from your ears.
- Avoid touching the front of the mask when removing it.
- It can be placed in a plastic bag temporarily if you are not at home.
- Make sure you close, or zip seal the bag while storing it.
- If you plan to reuse the mask, wash it before wearing it again.
- It can be washed with hot, soapy water, or it can be washed with your other laundry.
- If throwing it out, place it into a garbage bin or plastic bag.
- After removing the face covering, repeat Step 1.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - March 27, 2020
The department will provide immediate short-term relief to Nunavut businesses through its Small Business Support Program.
Eligible businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in support in the form of a non-repayable contribution.
Interested small businesses can get more information at: https://gov.nu.ca/edt/programs-services/small-business-support-program
EDT is working with various chambers of commerce, Chamber of Mines and other industry associations to solicit feedback and information from their memberships.
The information that is captured will be consolidated and analyzed so that the GN and its partners can better understand the current and projected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nunavut’s economy.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - March 24, 2020
Ongoing services:
- Airport operations and maintenance.
Adjusted services:
- All other departmental services are transitioning to work-from-home, with Directors and other essential staff in-office.
- Motor Vehicles Registrations and most Licence renewal are still being done.
- General Identification can be provided on an urgent basis only.
- No new Driver’s Licences can be processed until further notice.
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
- All non-urgent Motor Vehicles Services including Driver Exams, All Visitors Center Programing, All departmentally hosted conference and in person training.
- For urgent requests, contact your local Motor Vehicles office, @email, of 1-888-975-5999.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - March 20, 2020
Adjusted services:
- Emergency requests for Motor Vehicles license and registration services will be processed electronically. Contact @email or 1-888-975-5999.
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
- Normal Motor Vehicles licence and registration services will be suspended effective March 23.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services Update - March 19, 2020
Unless otherwise stated, remaining departmental services are expected to operate as usual. Updates are provided daily.
Closed/Cancelled/Suspended services:
- All Driver Examinations are cancelled until April 7.
- Group programming in Visitors Centres is suspended.