Hamlets across Nunavut will be eligible for grants of $15,000-$75,000, depending on population, and hunters and trappers organizations and other non-profit organizations can receive up to $5,000 under a new extension of the territorial government's essential worker wage premium program.
Finance Minister George Hickes said the GN expects to pay out $800,000 in total through these grants, which he announced in the legislative assembly on Tuesday. The money should begin to flow in the coming weeks, he said.
"All grant recipients will be able to decide for themselves how and when to best use these funds in support of the essential work they do related to Covid," said Hickes.
Through the Nunavut Essential Workers Wage Premium, the territorial government has paid out more than $2.8 million to 1,848 employees working for 64 different employers across Nunavut since June, according to the finance minister. In addition, more than $250,000 has been allocated to help employers cover their own administrative costs.
"Thank you to all who continue to provide essential services," said Hickes.