By Canadian Press

Food vouchers replace cheques as computer woes continue for Nunavut government

Nov 7, 2019 | 10:41 AM

IQALUIT, Nunavut — The government of Nunavut is still dealing with its computer systems after a cyber attack paralyzed its entire network.

All government computers in the territorial capital of Iqaluit are being collected so that they can be reformatted.

Residents on income assistance who normally receive cheques are being given food vouchers redeemable at grocery stores instead.

Territorial officials say paycheques due next week for civil servants are expected to be delivered as scheduled.

Government offices remain open, but are relying on fax machines, telephone calls and paper forms.

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Residents have been warned that services will take longer than normal.

Problems began Saturday when a ransomware bug got into the Nunavut system. It encrypted individual files on various servers and workstations and locked out regular users.

Premier Joe Savikataaq says contingency plans are working well and databanks are being rebuilt from backup files.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2019.

The Canadian Press