The Government of Nunavut (GN) is offering its support to all those affected by the fire at 1088 Noble House in Iqaluit. The fire resulted in the displacement of 36 families and several businesses.

The Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) is leading the GN’s efforts to assist staff whose homes were lost. Employees are actively working to ensure that all tenants are temporarily accommodated in hotels and relocated to other housing units, while collaborating with Northview to secure long-term housing solutions as quickly as possible. NHC expects to begin relocating some displaced tenants into other housing units as early as this weekend.

Tenants who were not relocated to hotels last night are asked to contact Lana Drouillard at 867-975-7210 or ldrouillard@gov.nu.ca, Michaela Smith at 867-975-7204 or msmith11@gov.nu.ca, or the emergency contact line at 867-222-1304 if they have arranged alternate temporary accommodations, require a hotel room, or need further assistance. All departments and agencies have mobilized resources to ensure colleagues and fellow Nunavummiut can recover from this devastating loss.

Smoke Exposure (Health) The Department of Health is reminding residents of Iqaluit to take necessary precautions regarding smoke. Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma, the elderly, children and pregnant women should limit their exposure to smoke. Avoid the area around the fire and stay indoors as much as possible with the doors and windows closed. People should seek medical attention if they have symptoms like trouble breathing or tightness in the chest.  

Emergency Leave for Employees (Human Resources) Employees affected by the fire are eligible for Emergency Leave to January 19. This leave does not impact existing leave credits. If employees feel they need additional time off after January 19, please contact your supervisor and/or HR manager to discuss options. We encourage those impacted to take advantage of the leave provisions to ensure their well-being during this challenging time.

Emergency Income Assistance (Family Services) Emergency Income Assistance can help replace essential items such as clothing, toiletries, food, baby bottles and formula, and other necessities.

Emergency Income Assistance is available to all Nunavummiut who experience the loss of personal belongings or housing, regardless of whether they are current Income Assistance clients.

We encourage all affected residents to reach out for assistance as needed: • Contact your local Income Assistance office. • In Iqaluit, visit the Income Assistance Office in Building 607. • Iqaluit residents affected by the Building 1088 fire can also call (867) 975-5278 or email AOqallak@gov.nu.ca for support.

Mental Health Support (Health) It is important to take time to focus on our mental health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that you are not alone. If you need to reach a counsellor, please call 867-975-5900. There are counsellors available by phone or in person with an appointment. For more resources, please visit https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/health/mental-health-resources.

Employee and Family Assistance Program (Human Resources) The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers confidential, voluntary counseling services designed to help you manage crisis and stress effectively. For access to counselling services, employees and their families can call 1-800-663-1142.

Identification Replacement (Economic Development and Transportation) Anyone who lost their driver’s licence or general identification card in the fire can visit the Motor Vehicles office at 1104C to receive a certified true copy of these documents to use as government-issued photo ID until a replacement card arrives.  

Canadian Red Cross Supports (Community and Government Services) The Government of Nunavut is supporting the City of Iqaluit in coordinating with the Canadian Red Cross. Any family directly impacted by this fire is asked to ensure they are registered with the City of Iqaluit to ensure the Red Cross can be provided with the correct contact information to engage individuals to determine what supports may be offered to them.

Individuals are asked to call the City of Iqaluit dispatch line at 867-979-5650 and provide:

• Unit number.

• Number of persons in your household.

• Ages of all household members.

The GN and NHC are thankful for your cooperation as they continue to address the situation.