Pictured above are Northern Igloolik’s staff demonstrating “what six feet apart looks like” in their produce section. (From left to right: Dinah Qaunaq, Bruce Immaroitok, and Dan Angillirq)

Northern Igloolik demonstrates leadership in the community by having a practical response plan to make sure every shopper is accommodated for.

It was Northern Igloolik Store Manager Paul Delaney’s privilege to be invited to take part in a roundtable meeting hosted by The Hamlet of Igloolik and led by the Emergency Measures Office out of Iqaluit. The meeting’s intent was to evaluate how well-informed each leader is with the constantly changing circumstance, what safety measures are being implemented, and if there are any contingency plans prepared.

“As a Store Manager I have never had so many calls with community leaders. It is a true honour to be in this position of trust and leadership,” Delaney says. “The pandemic has altered the world we live in – and most certainly the way we conduct business, even for seasoned entities. Still, I am very grateful for The North West Company’s plans, guidance and support to get us through this challenge as best as we could anticipate.”

Regarding in-stock security, Delaney assured everybody that the stock levels though challenged are looked at daily. Northern Igloolik’s Category Managers are working overtime to adjust where and how they can secure products and their efforts are producing results. The store has also set aside a few special hours to allow elders to shop in a safe environment. Signage on the floors in both English and Inuktitut are created to encourage social distancing. To support the increased demand, Northern Igloolik has hired some casual workers to offset the extra hours – reducing the workload and stress associated for staff members.

“As Nor’ Westers, we do our best to support community members because it is inherently built into our DNA to help where and when we can. We do it for our pride, not for the glory.” Delaney added.