NHSP Disaster Relief Program

Program Objective

Nunavut Harvesters Support Programs (NHSP) are intended to relieve poverty among Inuit in Nunavut and to preserve and advance Inuit harvesting culture, heritage and traditional ways of lifeby providing Inuit in need with funding assistance to purchase harvesting equipment.

Program Description

The NHSP Harvesting Equipment Program provides Inuit in Nunavut who are in need with funding assistance to make harvesting equipment and tools more affordable so they can participate in traditional harvesting activities. An applicant is considered in need if they need financial assistance to purchase harvesting equipment required to support their family and/or community. They are also considered in need if they have suffered equipment loss due to an unavoidable natural disaster.

Funding under disaster relief program will be provided for the following areas:

1. Funding assistance for disaster relief – total loss of equipment, and
2. Funding assistance for disaster relief – substantial damage to equipment.

Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible for funding assistance you must meet the following criteria:

• An Inuk 16 years of age or older and enrolled in the Nunavut Agreement.
• A harvester who engages in traditional harvesting activity.
• Where applicable, the applicant’s household has not exceeded the annual funding limitin the applicable fiscal year. For the purpose of this section, a household includes theapplicant’s legal or common-law spouse and any minor children. An applicant’s parents, children or other family members or relatives living in the same house who are 16 years of age or older are considered separate households.

Additionally, you must confirm that you:

•  Have suffered financial loss due to an accident or disaster.

Eligible Expenses

NHSP’s Harvesting Equipment Program provides funding assistance for equipment required to carry out hunting, fishing, gathering and/or trapping activities. This includes the following:

1. Disaster Relief (Total Loss): 75% of the net replacement cost, to a maximum of the following amounts for any major harvesting equipment lost in a hunting accident or disaster. To qualify for this program, the equipment must be lost or damaged beyond repair. “Net replacement cost” for equipment refers to the purchase price (including shipping costs) of replacement equipment minus any payment from insurance and/or government program on the same equipment or accident/disaster.
   • Snowmobiles – up to $7,000
   • ATVs or UTVs (side-by-sides) – up to $6,000
   • Boats – up to $10,000
   • Outboard Motors – up to $7,000
     
2. Disaster Relief (Substantial Damage to Equipment): 75% of the net repair cost, to a maximum of the following amounts for any major harvesting equipment substantially damaged in a hunting accident. To qualify for this program, the equipment must require and has undergone substantial repair that costs more than $2,000. “Net repair cost” for equipment refers to the repair cost minus any payment from insurance and/or government program on the for the same repair or accident.
   • Snowmobiles – up to $3,500
   • ATVs or UTVs (side-by-sides) – up to $3,000
   • Boats – up to $5,000
   • Outboard Motors – up to $3,500

Approval Process

NHSP will send you a confirmation when your application form is received. NHSP will review your application for accuracy, and verify you meet the eligibility requirements. If your application is incomplete, NHSP will return it to you with a request for more information.

NHSP may work with your Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and/or local Hunter and Trappers Organization (HTO) to determine whether or not your application will be approved for funding and will notify you of our decision within 30 days after all information on your application is complete.