Quebec Government Increases Funding for Nunavik Seniors

The Kativik Regional Government (KRG) applauded the Quebec government’s announcement today, awarding $2,880,360 in funding for the KRG, the Cree Nation Government and the James Bay Regional Government for initiatives benefiting seniors in the Nord-du-Québec region.

In Nunavik, money will go towards implementing a special five-year agreement between the Government of Québec and the Kativik Regional Government. The agreement, which was also signed by the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation du Québec, will support community projects aimed at improving the living conditions of seniors. Between now and the end of 2023 the Kativik Regional Government will receive $827,670 for community projects to support seniors.

The KRG will receive an additional $76,350 per year (with 2% annual indexation) over the five-year agreement to fund the work of the Nunavik Regional Seniors Council. This is an important forum for Nunavik seniors. It seeks to identify the needs of seniors in Nunavik through discussion, consultation and partnership in order to contribute to decisions that affect the daily lives of seniors.

The Minister Responsible for Seniors and Informal Caregivers, Marguerite Blais said that today’s announcement reflected the government’s commitment to promoting the well-being of seniors in Nunavik and throughout all regions and territories of Québec.

“I am proud to see Nord-du-Québec communities take action with more and more initiatives to support the engagement of their elderly residents. I am confident that these new agreements will support community efforts to allow seniors to live full lives and help younger generations appreciate their roles,” Ms. Blais said. She was in Kuujjuaq to make the announcement before representatives of the KRG, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services as well as seniors from the community.

The Kativik Regional Government is committed to meeting the vital needs of seniors in Nunavik. The KRG spearheaded the creation of the Elders Association of Nunavik in 2006 under its first President Bobby Snowball. Back then there were 400 seniors in Nunavik, now there are more than 800.

The Vice-Chairperson of the KRG Hilda Snowball praised the new agreement saying it will serve to fund several community projects that improve the lives of seniors in all the communities.

“Our aging population is a reality we cannot ignore. We must help elders remain active in our communities because they have strong knowledge that we need to connect to the younger generation,” said Hilda Snowball. “The elders are the custodians of our culture and our values. We are committed to their well-being.”

Under the guidance of the KRG, Northern Villages will be able to obtain funding for several types of community projects that will enhance the living conditions of the elderly. These projects include promoting social involvement by seniors in their communities. They also seek to value intergenerational relationships, contribute to improving living conditions in their homes, help fight against elders’ abuse and support the more vulnerable seniors.

The new agreement will help improve on these projects and initiate new ones by local organizations in order to contribute to improving the quality of life of all seniors, which is one of the key commitments of the KRG in seeking the well-being of all its citizens.

NT5