One of the colder regions in Canada, Nunavut is the largest and most northern of the Canadian territories. It is also the newest, only separated from the Northwest Territories on April 1, 1999. As the largest geo-political subdivision in North America with an area of 2.093 million km² and a population of just over 30,000 people, Nunavut is one of the most remote, and sparsely populated regions in the world. The capital city of Iqaluit, on Baffin Island, is situated at the eastern point of the territory. Nunavut is a unique territory in that it is the only area in Canada not connected to the rest of the country by any highways.
Health Care
Canadian Law mandates all provinces and territories to provide universal, publicly funded health care to all citizens and legal residents of Canada. Thus, most basic health services are offered at no direct cost to a patient in Canada. Certain procedures that are not deemed necessary are generally not covered. These include treatments like elective cosmetic surgery and a number of dental care procedures. The list of publicly paid services may vary from province to province.
To avail the health services of Nunavut, you must register for healthcare as soon as you arrive.
Weather
The weather station known as Alert is the northernmost place on earth, only 508 miles from the North Pole.Nunavut’s climate is Arctic and Polar, meaning continuous ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. Even in summer, in the extreme south, the temperatures seldom exceed 15c. Lows in winter can reach -27c, and colder.
Summers can be mild in Nunavut, but it is very cold in the winter, when temperatures can go below -30, even -40 degrees Celsius. It is very important to ensure that you are prepared for the cold weather. Invest in good quality warm winter clothing, including sweaters, winter jackets, boots, hats, scarves, and gloves or mittens.
Canadians keep their emergency kit ready for all time . In most parts of Canada, your car must have specially designated winter tires in order to legally, and safely, drive in the winter.
Education
Nunavut is infamous for its education. It is slowly building this sector,it has only one college, the Nunavut Arctic College, which offers a very limited range of degrees. Primary and Secondary education is well-equipped in only two areas of the province; the Qikiqtani Region and Kitikmeot.
Career/Jobs
To begin working legally in Nunavut after arrival, follow these steps: Apply for your Social Insurance number (SIN). Ensure your credentials are assessed with the Canadian Centre for International Credentials. For trade certification, begin by contacting Red Seal, a nation-wide trade certification organization. Register with the appropriate territorial regulatory organization for your profession, where applicable.Also register for language classes, if you need to improve your English or French language skills.
Following these steps will ensure that you are prepared to begin working in Nunavut.
Note: Foreign workers must have valid authorization to work in Canada on either a temporary or permanent basis.
Housing
There are multiple housing options across Canada. If you have not visited your new city prior to immigrating, it may be best to rent an apartment on a temporary basis when you first arrive, and/or hire a real estate agent to guide you through the housing process and provide you with knowledgeable advice on the best areas for you and your family.
Many families prefer to live in suburbs where housing is more affordable as housing is generally more expensive in cities. Suburbs often provide all facilities such as safe neighbourhoods, schools, shopping centres and healthcare, all within close proximity to the amenities of the city.
It is important that you take your family, your place of work, neighbourhood and finances into account before deciding on a place to live.
Cost of living
Nunavut is extremely isolated and due to this, some basic costs can be rather high. The cost of materials and labor is also higher, and this, combined with the extreme weather conditions can be a large deterrent for people choosing to live in this part of Canada. In comparison, however, the minimum wage of $16 is the highest in the country. The government in the province ensures that their residents are well taken care of with subsidies and the lowering of some essential produce items costs.
Economy
Nunavut’s economy consists of activity in the mining, gas, mineral exploration, and tourism industries. There are believed to be significant oil and coal deposits in the northern parts of Nunavut, all of which are being explored. The majority of the population is self-sufficient.