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NUNAVUT
Concerns about how Kitikmeot medevac contracts are given out arose this week in the legislative assembly.

The Government of Nunavut awarded the medevac contract for the region to Yellowknife-based Air Tindi and its partner Aqsaqniq Air earlier this summer.

Adlair Aviation Ltd., which has a base in Cambridge Bay and has had the medevac contract for some 20 years, is appealing the territorial government's decision to award it to another airline.

The company has filed an appeal with the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtuniq Ikajuuti. The NNI appeals board heard the complaint this past September and October and is currently deliberating.

Nattilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk said the decision on which company will perform medical evacuation flights for the Kitikmeot has become a "major issue" in the region.

"I am personally frustrated about how this situation has developed," said Ugyuk at the legislature on Oct. 18.

"The question of which company should be awarded the contract is dividing our communities and people. People whom I have known for many years are calling each other liars. People who are deeply committed to the Kitikmeot are having their integrity called into question."

Regardless of which company will perform the services, she added she wants service levels to "remain the same or improve."

Ugyuk also said she was very concerned about how the public views the GN's contracting process so it must do more to explain how contracts are evaluated and awarded.

The territorial representative of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak questioned Nunavut Health and Social Services Minister Tagak Curley on whether the GN had formally entered into an agreement for air ambulance services in the Kitikmeot.

In response, Curley said Adlair Aviation is providing those services for another month while the appeal process is under review.

"Once the appeal has been reviewed, I would be able to make a statement as to exactly how the contracting process turned out," he said.

"This contract will continue with the long-time contractor, Adlair Aviation, who will provide this service to the end of October."

He said overall cost was the not the only factor the territorial government reviews before awarding a contract, but would not say who would win the contract until the appeal process is completed.

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