Compassionate Travel Program

How does Kitikmeot Inuit Association’s Compassionate Travel Program work?

The Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) compassionate travel program provides financial assistance for travel for a maximum of three (3) family members who wish to see a family member who is terminally ill and facing imminent death. The program will provide funds to cover reasonable transportation costs from a location withing Canada to a community within Nunavut.

Travel can be by air, ground or a combination. The program does not fund accommodation costs or other expenses such as meals, though if travelers encounter delays, support is available up to 4 nights to a maximum of $1,000 for hotels, or up to $100 per night for billeting. There are rules about who is eligible to receive financial assistance.

Who is eligible?

• Travellers must be related to the individual who is terminally ill and facing imminent death. Eligible family members include grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, spouse, daughter, son, sister, brother, grandchildren, aunt, uncle, niece, and nephew.
• The family must provide a letter signed by the terminally ill patient’s doctor or Health Care professional indicating the patient is in their last days of life.
• The person who is terminally ill and facing imminent death must be an immediate family member of a registered Beneficiary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA).
• The person receiving the assistance must be registered Beneficiaries of the NLCA.
• Families must work together to determine which family members are most in need of assistance.
• Priority will be given to family members over the age of 16.

Policy

Click here to read the full Compassionate Travel Program policy.

Need Assistance?

For more information or assistance applying, contact your local Community Liaison Officer (CLO).