Justice for Jusi: Officials launch investigation into death of 4 year old boy in Nunavik

Various health institutions in Quebec have launched an investigation into the death of 4-year-old Jusi Padlayat from Ivujivik, Nunavik, in northern Quebec. His parents made trips to the Inuulitsivik Health Centre on several occasions starting in July after the boy complained of stomach pain. Each time, he was sent home. According to reports, on Aug. 1, Padlayat was found unconscious, and he was transported to Montreal. He died on Aug. 3 at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. “We have a responsibility to ensure that the circumstances around this tragedy are thoroughly and objectively examined,” said a statement from the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services. “We are committed to transparency and to shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this loss.” Quebec’s coroner is also investigating. Politicians are weighing in on the boys’ death. “The reports are extremely disturbing,” said Sonia Bélanger, Quebec’s health minister. “If a sick child did not receive the care he needed, that is absolutely unacceptable. An investigation was promptly ordered, and a coroner’s inquiry is also underway to establish the facts.” Jusi Padlayat in an undated photo. The post, “Justice for Jusi,” was trending on social media. In a statement posted on social media, Mandy Gull Masty, minister of Indigenous Services Canada whose riding includes Nunavik, said Inuit families have the right to access “safe and reliable health care.” “We expect the province of Quebec and the medical staff involved to address this matter with the utmost seriousness and to ensure that the system can provide answers to the family and community while also working to prevent future tragedies from occurring,” Gull Masty said. Ivujivik sits at the tip of Quebec and is nearly 2,000 kilometres north of Montreal. The 2021 census said the community has a population of 412. Continue Reading