News Release

2023-08-03

Minister Kusugak Welcomes End to Iqaluit Housing Authority Labour Dispute

Iqaluit, Nunavut (August 3, 2023) –The Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC), is pleased to announce that the newly appointed Iqaluit Housing Authority (IHA) Board of Directors has achieved their primary mandate, which was to end the ongoing labour dispute with the Nunavut Employees Union (NEU). The board voted on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, to ratify a new collective agreement.

This settlement formally ends the 136-day strike at the IHA with unionized employees being welcomed back to the workplace on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The new five-year agreement takes effect upon ratification and will expire on June 30, 2025.

“We are pleased to see that the unionized workers will return to work. NHC recognizes the challenges and pressures over the past months relative to the labour dispute between the IHA and the NEU,” said Minister Kusugak. “I want to thank all those involved in the bargaining teams for achieving a fair agreement this past Monday.”

As previously announced, the new IHA Board of Directors will take the next 90 days to stabilize operations and support workers returning to the workplace. Immediately thereafter, a public advertisement for a new board will begin.

Igluliuqatigiingniq

Nunavut 3000

Nunavut 3000 will create more housing for Nunavummiut by developing partnerships and investing in innovative construction methods that increase efficiency and decrease costs.

By working with communities, Inuit organizations, housing sector stakeholders, and all Nunavummiut, the Nunavut Housing Corporation is dedicated to realizing the vision of Nunavut 3000 to build healthy communities, support training and local economic development, and expand the housing continuum in Nunavut.