GN declares state of emergency in Kinngait

News Release
GN declares state of emergency in Kinngait

Kinngait, Nunavut (May 17, 2023) – Government of Nunavut’s (GN) Minister of Community and Government Services (CGS) David Joanasie today declared a state of emergency under Nunavut’s Emergency Measures Act effective immediately in Kinngait.

“Our department is committed to supporting the community of Kinngait in their efforts to restore water services in the community,” said Minister Joanasie. “We are working with the hamlet to restore services and support the residents of Kinngait.”

An electrical issue at the Kinngait Water Pumphouse is limiting the municipality’s ability to distribute treated water to the community. Available reserve volumes have been depleted, posing a risk to both public health and community infrastructure.

The need to declare a state of emergency at this time is to expedite the processes required to deploy necessary resources to respond to the issue in Kinngait. This step will enable the GN to ensure the necessary supports are available to the Hamlet of Kinngait and its residents. This will also give the GN additional authority to control and assign assets of GN departments and public agencies under the Emergency Measures Act.

At this time, all residents of Kinngait are urged to conserve water and follow direction and advice issued from both the GN and the Hamlet of Kinngait. 

The state of emergency will be in effect for 14 days, from May 17- 30, 2023.

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Media Contact:

Hala Duale
Communications Specialist
Community and Government Services
867-975-5406
HDuale@gov.nu.ca