Ullivik, a centre that houses and treats Inuit patients from Nunavik who travel to Montreal for medical care, extended its condolences to the Inuit community after one of its members was killed in a collision. The man, 69, was struck by an SUV near Ullivik and pronounced dead at the scene Wednesday evening. A security guard confirmed to CTV News the victim had been staying at the centre. In a statement to CTV News on Thursday, Ullivik said it was deeply saddened by the death. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, and the entire community of Inukjuak,” the statement reads. “Out of respect for the family and loved ones, and to allow the appropriate authorities to carry out their work, we will refrain from commenting on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.” Ullivik wrote that it reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Nunavimmiut travelling from home for specialized medical care are met with compassion, respect for their cultural needs, and a safe environment. “This commitment extends beyond the walls of Ullivik, as we continuously work with the City of Dorval, to promote safety and security throughout the surrounding neighbourhood and the areas frequented by our residents,” the statement reads. Dorval Mayor Marc Doret expressed his condolences in a social media post Thursday. “I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. Our thoughts are also with the staff and residents of Ullivik, as well as the many individuals and organizations that support Inuit patients and their families during their stay in our community,” Doret wrote. “This loss is all the more painful because it affects a community that has become an integral and valued part of Dorval’s social fabric.” Doret said he recently met with Pita Aatami, president of Makivvik, an Indigenous political organization representing the Inuit of Nunavik. “Together, we discussed the challenges faced by Inuit residents and medical travellers in the Greater Montreal area, as well as ways to strengthen collaboration, safety, support services, and community well-being,” Doret wrote. In two separate incidents, two Inuuk women were killed in car collisions in 2022, just two days apart, and were also residents at the Ullivik Centre. Their deaths led to a coroner’s investigation. The report called on Ullivik to review all security intervention measures.
