On May 3 at noon, the City of Iqaluit held an emergency meeting over Zoom, implementing a State of Local Emergency in the territorial capital.
Councillor Kyle Sheppard called for a State of Local Emergency in the city.
“Given the seriousness with the state of affairs of community transmission of COVID-19 in Iqaluit, I will make a motion to declare a State of Local Emergency,” said Sheppard during the meeting.
The motion passed unanimously.
The State of Local Emergency will be in effect 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2021,
Councillor Amy Elgersma was made the Municipal Emergency Management Co-ordinator, as part of his motion Sheppard appointed Elgersma to the position.
“I encourage all Iqalummiut to strictly adhere to all CPHO public health orders,” Sheppard added.
The State of Local Emergency will unlock limited authorities for the City under the Emergency Measures Act, these include:
-Giving the City additional powers to support compliance efforts, as needed;
-Allows the City to take additional measures to support the vulnerable population outside of existing support;
-Ensure water security measures are in place for human health and hygiene.