
Nunavik health board proposes hiring private staff to help curb tuberculosis outbreak
Most notably, the plan, which was shared with Radio-Canada prior to its release, calls for hiring agency health-care professionals to better support communities in the grips of the outbreak.
Since January, 69 cases of the potentially deadly disease have already been reported, with outbreaks declared in six communities. If the trend continues, doctors have said they fear 2025 could see a new record of confirmed cases, surpassing the 95 that were reported in 2024.
Earlier this year, communities tried to have the situation declared as a public health emergency.
Outside support
The board's plan aims to increase the capacity for handling patients and also find ways to bolster its response to the tuberculosis outbreaks with more staff.
In the short term, the board wants to increase the number of clinic spaces in communities that can accommodate people with the infection. Communities have said they need more ways to try and isolate patients and prevent the spread of the disease.
The region's lack of suitable housing — nearly half of residents live in overcrowded homes — has contributed to the outbreaks, and has also limited the ability to respond to them.
The plan proposes hiring additional support staff through private agencies, but recognizes the need to find appropriate housing.
Public health is also working to try and acquire more X-ray machines and corresponding analysis services to diagnose cases more quickly.
According to the board, discussions are ongoing with Quebec's Ministry of Health to secure funding for the plan.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CTV News
19 minutes ago
- CTV News
Dysfunctional city council in Medicine Hat: provincial report
A provincial report says Medicine Hat has a dysfunctional city council and it's been that way for years. The report says council and staff have been operating under a turbulent and suspicion-filled work environment. It attributes that to tensions boiling over two years ago between the mayor and city manager. Medicine Hat mayor A provincial report says Medicine Hat has a dysfunctional city council, due in part to tensions boiling over two years ago between the mayor and city manager. (CTV News) The report includes close to 70 recommendations that would lead to a culture change within council. Despite the dysfunction, the report found residents have been getting the services they need.


CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Summer camp gives Winnipeg kids, youth hands-on science experience
Young people at the University of Manitoba's Biomedical Summer Camp are dissecting hearts, taking fingerprints and even working with DNA. This free program brings together 100 students from Grades 6 to 12, offering them hands-on laboratory simulations to learn more about biomedicine.


CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Canadian who died in ICE custody had health issues before his death: agency report
A Canadian man who died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody last month had a history of serious medical conditions, according to a newly released ICE agency report. Johnny Noviello, 49, was found unresponsive just before 1 p.m. on June 23 at a federal detention centre in Miami. Shortly after, he was declared deceased by the Miami Fire Rescue Department. A detainee death report released by ICE on Wednesday states Noviello had been diagnosed with several pre-existing conditions, including hypertension and seizure disorder, slightly elevated blood pressure and high body mass index. In the weeks following his initial detention, Noviello's physical and mental health showed signs of decline, according to the internal ICE review. On May 19, a behavioural health provider (BHP) reviewed Noviello's case and suggested that he first undergo a medical evaluation, which would determine whether a formal health referral was necessary. That same day, Noviello was transferred to the Miami federal detention centre. By the end of the May, Noviello began refusing care. On June 8, after requests from both a unit officer and a health services administrator, a provider evaluated Noviello again. During this encounter, Noviello reported feeling 'sad and depressed,' refusing to attend a medical clinic for a full evaluation. A mental health referral was requested as a result. The following day, a provider visited Noviello again at the request of a BHP. The report noted poor personal hygiene and that Noviello had not eaten 'in a while.' While his vital signs remained within normal limits, the providers ordered further lab work and discussed with Noviello 'the importance of self-hygiene and proper diet,' according to the report. ICE said the Canadian entered the U.S. with a visa on Jan. 2, 1988. He became a permanent resident more than three years later. Last May, he was arrested by ICE at a probations office and charged with removal for violating U.S. drug laws. In October 2023, he was convicted in eastern Florida for racketeering and drug trafficking and sentenced to 12 months in prison. Noviello's former lawyer, Dan Leising, said in June that Noviello's only known family member is his father, Angelo, who was 'distraught' to hear about his son's death. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita, there are approximately 55 Canadians who are still detained by ICE. ICE data revealed that seven other people have died in 2025 while in ICE's custody. With files from Luca Caruso-Moro, Lynn Chaya, and CTV National News Correspondent Kamil Karamali