Changes to Kitikmeot medical travel and flight capacity

Press Release

06 September 2023

The Department of Health is advising Kitikmeot residents that medevacs are currently being diverted to Winnipeg rather than Alberta, where the healthcare system is seeing increased demand as a result of the ongoing wildfires in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Kitikmeot residents scheduled for other medical appointments will continue to receive care in Edmonton.This change ensures that critical medical resources and services are available to those in need.

The wildfires in the NWT have disrupted normal flight schedules, reducing flight and seat availability. As medical travellers are given priority, other travellers to and from the Kitikmeot region may face rescheduling of their travel plans.

The Government of Nunavut (GN) continues to prioritize medical travellers with critical healthcare needs, ensuring they receive timely access to care. Limited seat availability also means only Nunavummiut in critical need of assistance will be accompanied by a medical escort.

In collaboration with airlines, the GN is exploring alternative transportation options to accommodate both medical and non-medical travellers.

The GN is closely monitoring the evolving wildfire situation and will provides travel updates as required.

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Media Contact:

Danarae Sommerville
A/ Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
dsommerville1@gov.nu.ca

IHT4