Idlout, community secures ICFI extension after Liberals left Nunavut in limbo

NUNAVUT – On Saturday, NDP MP Lori Idlout (Nunavut), Nunavut mayors, and community organizations secured a renewal of funding for the Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI) for one more year.

“Nunavummiut showed their strength by coming together. They collected their voice and ensured a win for Inuit children and families,” said Idlout."Hamlet mayors, councillors, and the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, just to name a few, used their power to advocate for Nunavummiut. The Liberals and Ministers Patty Hajdu and Gary Anandasangaree left the community hanging for months by refusing to answer, instead pointing fingers and politicizing childhood poverty. It was the community that came together and advocated for Inuit children and families."

As a minimum, Idlout and others wanted the program extended but they continue to demand long-term sustainable funding for Inuit well-being.

“While we welcome the extension, more needs to be done,” said Idlout. “The Liberals had almost 10 years to create longer-term solutions to improve services for Inuit children and families, instead they made it difficult to access the program and had long waiting lists. They let Nunavut down and do not deserve another chance. A New Democrat government would listen to Nunavummiut and ensure long-term stability that Nunavummiut deserves.”