Transportation

Elders who need to travel for medical appointments or treatment (for example, to southern hospitals or to Iqaluit from smaller communities) have access to funded medical travel. The Nunavut Department of Health covers transportation costs for necessary medical referrals. Inuit elders have medical travel covered through Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), and non-Inuit seniors may have costs covered through the Extended Health Benefits program.

Eligibility: All Nunavut residents traveling for insured medical services not available in their home community are eligible (coverage details depend on your status). A medical professional must confirm the need for travel.

How to access: Typically arranged by your health centre or the hospital when they refer you to an out-of-town specialist or facility. The health staff will book flights and accommodations through the Medical Travel office. For Iqaluit residents traveling out, the hospital’s Medical Travel Coordinator will contact you with details. If you have questions about medical travel, you can call the Medical Travel office in Iqaluit via the hospital main line or inquire at 867-975-8600.

Nunavut offers reduced motor vehicle fees for seniors. If you are 60 years of age or older, the fee for obtaining or renewing your driver’s license is discounted by at least 50%. In addition, seniors get significant discounts on fees for driver’s exams, and reduced fees for registering a vehicle (car or ATV).

Eligibility: Age 60 and over for all senior discounts at the Motor Vehicles Division.

How to access: When visiting the Motor Vehicles Office (MVO) in Iqaluit (or a Government Liaison Officer in your community) for license or registration services, inform them that you are a senior to receive the reduced fees. The main MVO in Iqaluit is at the Department of Economic Development and Transportation. For questions, you can call the Motor Vehicles Division in Iqaluit at 867-979-5383.

Seniors with mobility issues or disabilities can obtain an accessible parking placard. This permit allows you to use designated accessible parking spaces closer to buildings. There is no charge for getting an accessible parking permit in Nunavut. Additionally, if you do not have a driver’s license, you can get a General Identification Card for photo ID purposes free of charge (useful for travel or banking if you no longer drive).

Eligibility: Accessible parking permits require a medical note or verification of your mobility limitations (speak with your healthcare provider). General ID cards are available to any Nunavut resident (including elders) who needs official photo identification.

How to access: Contact the Motor Vehicles Office for the application for an accessible parking placard – you’ll need a doctor or nurse to certify the form. For a General Identification Card, visit the Motor Vehicles Office with two pieces of other identification and proof of date of birth to apply (no fee required).

In Iqaluit, there is no public transit system, but elders may use taxi services (several taxi companies operate in town). Some community organizations occasionally provide rides for elders to attend events or appointments. Family members and volunteer networks often play a role in helping with transportation for elders.

Tip: If you are an elder with mobility challenges, you may inquire with the City of Iqaluit Recreation Department or the Pairijait Tigumivik Elders Society to see if there are any volunteer driver programs or scheduled shuttle services for elders (availability may vary). Also, when attending medical appointments, the hospital or clinic staff can assist in arranging transportation if needed (for example, making sure an elder has a ride home after a procedure).