Nunavut’s Health Minister, John Main, attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Cambridge Bay for a new long-term care facility, which is expected to welcome residents in the fall of 2028. The 24-bed facility aims to provide elder care while promoting community involvement through employment and learning opportunities. The project, which has been in the design phase since 2019, will prioritize Inuit culture, with plans to incorporate Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, Inuit food, and cultural activities. Main emphasized that the facility’s design will reflect the unique needs and traditions of the local community, rather than being a generic structure like those in other regions.
While the construction process is still in its early stages, including a tendering phase, the health minister acknowledged that the facility will be expensive due to its specialized design and mechanical requirements, similar to a hospital. The exact cost is not yet known, but Main assured that the investment would be worthwhile.
During a legislative session, two MLAs questioned Main about the facility’s funding, but he did not provide specific details, only stating that the federal government would assist with funding. One MLA, Joe Savikataaq, criticized the government for holding a public ceremony without securing the necessary capital funds, but Main defended the event as part of a transparent and accessible approach. The facility is intended to provide a higher level of care for elders in the region, benefiting both residents and the broader community.
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