Minister Aglukkaq Shows Support for Nunavut's Newest Boarding Home

News Release
2010-85
May 29, 2010
For immediate release

YELLOWKNIFE, NWT - Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq today officially opened the Larga Kitikmeot boarding home in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The new facility provides accommodation for Inuit from Nunavut's Kitikmeot region when they need to travel to Yellowknife for medical reasons.

"Travelling away from home for medical services is a fact of life for people living in Nunavut," said Minister Aglukkaq. "All of us - governments, health care providers, support workers, and even family and friends in the community - have a role to play in making the healing process as easy and stress-free as possible."

Through its Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB), Health Canada helps to cover the costs of staying at boarding homes like Larga Kitikmeot for eligible First Nations and Inuit who must travel out of their home communities for medical care. The NIHB program provides funds for accommodations, meals, local transportation, and interpreter services.

These program benefits are delivered in cooperation with the Government of Nunavut, who administers the program on behalf of Health Canada.

"By working together, we make it easier for Inuit recipients as these benefits are seamlessly integrated with the territory's medical transportation system," said Minister Aglukkaq.

Jointly owned and operated by Nunasi Corporation and Kitikmeot Corporation, the new modern facilities at Larga Kitikmeot doubles the capacity of the previous boarding home in Yellowknife.

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Media Enquiries:
Josée Bellemare
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Health Canada
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