(May 13, 2021 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) urges the Government of Nunavut (GN) to put measures in place to ensure that mandatory paid sick leave is offered to all workers in Nunavut.

NTI is concerned by the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the territory and their potential links to essential workers. Nunavut does not have mandatory paid sick leave, paid sick leave is limited or not available to many private-sector essential workers, and this could be a factor in the spread of the virus. Essential workers, regardless of their place of work, deserve adequate benefits such as paid sick leave so that they can stay home when sick or need to self-isolate.

President Kotierk has stated that “A year into the global pandemic and it is unacceptable that employees who are sick cannot afford to stay home. We all need to do our part to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 and this is one area in which we believe the GN can make a positive impact right now as well as a lasting impact for future generations.”

This could be done by enacting legislation to ensure that a minimum amount of paid sick leave is offered to all employees in Nunavut and/or by offering a Paid Sick Leave Rebate program for employers similar to what is offered in the Yukon.

While the issue is not without limitations in other jurisdictions, NTI is confident that this is something that Nunavut can show leadership in at the national level.

For further information:

Karen Flaherty

A/Director of Communications

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

Tel: (867) 975-4900/Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006