Facts about Nunavut’s plans for long-term care

Press Release

December 19, 2025

The Government of Nunavut (GN) is committed to ensuring Nunavummiut can age close to home. The Department of Health hopes to clarify misconceptions stemming from recent public comments and outline the current status of long-term care (LTC) projects in Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit.

Claim: The GN has no approved capital funding for Cambridge Bay or Iqaluit LTCs.

Facts:

• The Cambridge Bay LTC (Kitikmeot LTCC) will be fully funded by the federal government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
• Federal funding for the Cambridge Bay LTC was approved June 27, 2025. The exact amount cannot be disclosed publicly at this time, as releasing this information ahead of the tender process could affect competitive bids.
• The GN has already spent $740,000 on design for Cambridge Bay LTC and $2.7 million on planning for the LTC projects in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.

Claim: The Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit LTCs will have 128 beds combined.

Facts:

• The Cambridge Bay LTC will have 24 beds.
• The Qikiqtaaluk LTCC in Iqaluit will have 48 beds.
• Total combined capacity: 72 beds, not 128.

Claim: Elders housing projects could replace the need for LTC facilities.

Facts:

• Elders housing is a critical need, but it does not replace the need for long-term care (LTC).
• LTC beds are essential for Elders who can no longer be safely cared for at home, even with home care or family support.
• LTC facilities provide 24-hour nursing care, support for complex needs, and specialized infrastructure (e.g., bariatric rooms, isolation rooms, dementia care).

Claim: Returning MLAs will be seeking a $310 million appropriation for these projects.

Facts:

• The construction of Cambridge Bay LTC is federally funded and does not require GN capital appropriation.
• The Iqaluit LTC is in the design phase, with $9.95 million (GN funds) in design funding secured.
• Any future GN appropriations will be carefully staged and aligned with procurement timelines.
• The $310 million figure is inaccurate and does not reflect the current funding structure or approvals.

Key Facts at a Glance

Facility	Beds	Status	Funding
Rankin Inlet (Kivalliq)	24	Operational (May 2025).	GN-funded ($60.6M) $25M from federal partners via the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) fund.
Cambridge Bay (Kitikmeot)	24	Design complete, tendering late 2025.	Construction federally-funded.
Iqaluit (Qikiqtaaluk)	48	Design in progress.	GN-funded design ($9.95M); construction TBD.

Always check the facts before forming opinions. Interviews and public statements should be based on verified information. For accurate updates on Elders care initiatives, visit https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/health/.

Contact

Charmaine Deogracias
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca

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