Choose a career with the Government of Canada in Nunavut

Information and resources for Nunavut Inuit interested in pursuing a lasting career with the federal government in Nunavut.

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What you can do

There are more than 20 different fields of work represented across over 500 Nunavut-based positions.

Federal employment opportunities in Nunavut generally fit within the following categories:

Recruitment programs

Inuksugait Resume Inventory

Inuksugait Resume Inventory is a platform for Nunavut Inuit to express interest and apply for work with the Government of Canada in Nunavut. Inuksugait were many inuksuit built at specific locations to help hunters harvest caribou. In the context of the resume inventory, this term is used to represent the gathering of Inuit interested in working for federal government.

For federal departments and agencies in Nunavut, it is a dynamic, culturally-competent recruitment tool to employ Nunavut Inuit across all groups and levels.

To learn more or apply:

Inuit Summer Student Work Initiative

High school and post-secondary students can apply to the Summer Student Work Initiative to work at a federal department or agency in Nunavut during the summer academic break.

Students are hired through a casual contract and receive access to training, learning opportunities and cultural events during their work placement.

Current status: open

For more information contact cannor.NUstudent-EtudiantNU.cannor@cannor.gc.ca.

Why work for the federal government in Nunavut

Thrive in a work environment driven by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and employee wellness

Pilimmaksaivik coordinates government-wide initiatives and programs that focus on workplace well-being and are driven by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, a set of guiding principles based on Inuit traditional knowledge.

These values are built into all federal government initiatives, including culturally-competent staffing processes, training and workshops, career development tools and practices and more.

Elders-in-Residence Program

This learning event allows Government of Canada employees to learn traditional Inuit practices and knowledge directly from Elders. These workshops focus on topics such preparing/sewing seal and caribou skins, Inuit stories and legends, child rearing and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit values, and climate change and hunting in different seasons.

Government-wide Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit workshops and land-based learning

On-the-land events are held for federal public servants in Nunavut. These events provide employees with the opportunity to practice Inuit culture and better incorporate Inuit Societal Values in the workplace.

The Kittuaq Network

The Kittuaq Network is a government-wide peer support group available to all Inuit employees within the Government of Canada in Nunavut. The informal group meets regularly to share stories, experiences and to make recommendations to support Government of Canada workplaces be more inclusive of Inuit culture and practices. The meetings often feature dialogue with knowledge holders, guest speakers, and offer Inuit-specific cultural activities and sharing country food.

Virtual tune-in options are available for Nunavut Inuit employees unable to attend in-person, including those outside of Iqaluit.

The term kittuaq refers to the three pillars that support a quilliq (traditional oil lamp). Formerly known as the Inuit Employees Network, the updated Inuktitut name was chosen by Inuit employees to highlight the importance of peer support.

Counseling service

Nunavut Inuit working with the Government of Canada in Nunavut can book an appointment with a dedicated counselor once a month. Appointments are first-come, first-serve and are offered in-person and by telephone.

Training focused on emotional intelligence, self-awareness and Mental Health First Aid

Pilimmaksaivik coordinates government-wide initiatives and programs that focus on workplace well-being and are driven by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.

Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits

The Government of Canada in Nunavut offers a number of compensation and benefits.

Isolated Post Allowance, Vacation Travel Assistance and Relocation Assistance

The Isolated Post Allowance is designed to offset some of the higher costs associated with living and working in remote areas, including all Nunavut communities. The annual amount is determined by a number of factors including population, climate and availability of commercial transportation or access by all-weather roads. It also reflects the number of dependents within a household.

The Vacation Travel Assistance (VTA) is fixed on a per person basis and applies to the employee and applicable dependents over the age of 2. The intent of the allowance is to assist with costs associated with personal travel, including flights, hotels, car rental and fuel for boating and hunting-related travel. In Nunavut, the VTA is paid out twice in each fiscal year to the employee. Rates are subject to change.

Employees relocating for a position (including from another community) can access Relocation Assistance, which provides financial and logistical support with the move.

For more information about Isolated Post Allowance, Crown housing and VTA:

Pay

The Government of Canada negotiates rates of pay for employees in the core public administration as part of the terms and conditions of employment. These rates of pay are based on the various position classifications, and can increase annually depending on performance.

For more information:

Crown housing

Most Government of Canada positions in Nunavut provide Crown housing with subsidized rent. Employees renting Crown housing generally have the option to use Crown furniture, and can access a service line 24/7 to report issues related to their accommodations. Employees in their own accommodations are eligible for a rent subsidy.

Health and dental coverage

The Public Service Health Care Plan is an optional health care plan for federal public service employees and their dependents. It is designed to supplement provincial health insurance plans.

The Public Service Dental Care Plan is a mandatory plan that provides members and their dependents with coverage, up to certain limits, for specific dental services and supplies not covered under a provincial health or dental care plan.

For more information:

Flexible leave, vacation and general holidays

Federally regulated employees are entitled to a minimum of 2 weeks of vacation annually after completing 1 year of employment with the same employer. After 5 consecutive years of employment with the same employer, the entitlement increases to 3 weeks of vacation annually.

There are various types of leaves you can receive as an employee working in the federal public service, including parental leave, leave for victims of family violence, medical leave, leave for traditional Indigenous practices and more.

For more information:

Public Service Pension Plan

The Government of Canada offers a contributory-defined benefit pension plan to employees. A benefit plan is designed to provide a retirement income. In a defined benefit plan, benefits are based on a member's average salary and years of pensionable service. There are three main federal public service pension plans:

  • Public Service pension plan
  • Canadian Forces-Regular Force pension plan
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police pension plan

For more information:

Where you can work

Nunavut communities with federal offices

There are federal offices in the following communities:

  • Cambridge Bay
  • Iqaluit
  • Kugluktuk
  • Naujaat
  • Pangnirtung
  • Pond Inlet
  • Qikiqtarjuaq
  • Rankin Inlet
  • Resolute Bay

Departments and agencies in Nunavut

The following departments and agencies have Article 23 objectives under the Nunavut Agreement. These organizations are committed to achieving representative levels of Inuit employment across all groups and levels.

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) works with Northerners and Indigenous peoples, communities, businesses, organizations, other federal departments and other levels of government to help build diversified and dynamic economies that foster long-term sustainability and economic prosperity across the territories – Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon.

In Nunavut, CanNor:

  • develops and implements programs and initiatives that support the economic growth and development of Nunavut businesses and organizations;
  • coordinates the activities of other federal departments (i.e. federal regulators involved in major project development); and
  • hosts Pilimmaksaivik (the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut).

For more information:

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) focuses on renewing nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationships between Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

The Nunavut Regional Office focuses on:

  • environmental protection
  • land and water administration
  • natural resource development and management
  • land claims implementation

For more information:

Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) manages Canada's fisheries and leads efforts to safeguard its waters.

The department's main activities in the Central and Arctic Region are:

  • freshwater and arctic research management and prevention of aquatic invasive species
  • management of fisheries conservation and protection of freshwater and arctic aquatic species and their habitats
  • management of federally owned small craft harbours

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is responsible for services and programs that contribute to the safety, security, and accessibility of Canada's waterways.

In 2018, DFO and the CCG introduced a new region focused specifically on the Arctic. The region encompasses four regions of Inuit Nunangat, with the headquarters located in Rankin Inlet.

For more information:

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) informs Canadians about protecting and conserving our natural heritage, and ensuring a clean, safe and sustainable environment for present and future generations.

In Nunavut, ECCC focuses on their mandate to:

  • enhance and protect the natural environment
  • conserve renewable and water resources
  • provide meteorological information
  • enforce rules relating to boundary waters
  • coordinate environmental policies and programs

For more information:

Service Canada

Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.

In Nunavut, work focuses on providing access to the full range of government services and benefits that Nunavummiut want and need from the federal government.

For more information:

Natural Resources Canada

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is an economic, science-based department with a mandate to:

  • promote the sustainable development and responsible use of Canada's mineral, energy, and forestry resources
  • develop an understanding of Canada's landmass
  • collect and disseminate knowledge on sustainable resource development

In Nunavut, NRCan participates in the operations of the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office which has a mandate to provide Nunavut with accessible geoscience information and expertise.

Based in Resolute Bay, NRCan also operates the Polar Continental Shelf Program which provides cost-effective logistics planning, coordination and advice for Canadian government, university, northern, independent and international researchers conducting scientific field work, particularly in Canada's North.

For more information:

Parks Canada

Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

In Nunavut, Parks Canada oversees the following national parks and marine conservation areas:

  • Auyuittuq National Park
  • Quttinirpaaq National Park
  • Sirmilik National Park
  • Ukkusiksalik National Park
  • Qausuittuq National Park
  • Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

For more information:

POLAR Knowledge Canada

POLAR Knowledge Canada (POLAR) strengthens Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. Created in June 2015, the mandate of POLAR is to:

  • advance knowledge of the Canadian Arctic in order to improve economic opportunities, environmental stewardship and the quality of life of its residents and all other Canadians
  • promote the development and dissemination of knowledge of the other circumpolar regions, including the Antarctic
  • strengthen Canada's leadership on Arctic issues
  • establish a hub for scientific research in the Canadian Arctic

POLAR operates the new Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus in Cambridge Bay.

For more information:

Public Prosecution Service of Canada

Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) is an independent prosecuting authority whose main objective is to prosecute federal offences and provide legal advice and assistance to law enforcement.

The PPSC is responsible for the prosecution of all Criminal Code offences in the territories as well as offences under all other federal legislation. In Nunavut, the PPSC also prosecutes all offences under territorial legislation.

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) provides operational services to federal departments and agencies. PSPC is also the central purchasing agent, linguistic authority, real property manager, treasurer, accountant, the integrity adviser, and pay and pension administrator for the federal public service.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (non-uniformed staff)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the national, federal, provincial and municipal policing body.

In Nunavut, the RCMP prevent and investigate crimes, maintain peace and order, enforce laws and contribute to national security. Non-uniform staff are public servants that provide administrative support for the RCMP in the form of detachment clerks and administrative support.

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