Over the past seven years, the Nunavut government has spent nearly $54 million to house elders at Embassy West, a seniors’ facility in Ottawa. The annual expenditure on this facility has generally increased, except for a slight decrease in 2020-21. As of June 3, 71 Nunavut elders were staying at Embassy West.
The spending on Embassy West stems from a lack of adequate facilities in Nunavut for elders needing advanced care, particularly those requiring “Level 5” care, which includes 24-hour supervision. Raymond Ningeocheak, a notable Nunavut elder who spent his final years at Embassy West, faced challenges due to the territory’s limited local care options. After his diagnosis with dementia, he remained in Ottawa for over a year. Following his passing, his daughter, Sarah Netser, raised over $38,000 to cover his return airfare, as the Nunavut government does not fund such costs for elders not medically cleared for return.
The contract between the Nunavut government and Embassy West is valued at approximately $14.5 million, though details of this deal remain partially redacted. The Nunavut government is currently negotiating with Embassy West and may disclose further details after these negotiations conclude.
A new long-term care facility in Rankin Inlet, set to open soon, will provide Level 5 care and help address the need for such services within Nunavut. Netser hopes this will offer better support and comfort for Inuit elders, aligning with cultural and care needs that Embassy West could not fully meet.
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