MP Idlout urges Inuit leaders to reject false promises, protect rights at upcoming Carney meeting

Lori Idlout (NDP MP for Nunavut) has written a letter (English, Inuktitut, French) to Inuit leaders urging them to protect Inuit land and rights during the upcoming first meeting of the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) since the new government was elected. She warned that Bill C-5 sets a dangerous precedent by failing to uphold the principle of free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples.

Idlout said Nunavut needs more projects like the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, which is Inuit-owned and Inuit-led. Such projects would follow the proper processes and involve meaningful consultation with local communities.

“The profits from mining will go to shareholders of mining companies, not to Inuit in Nunavut,” Idlout wrote. “These projects will not enrich Nunavut. The money will leave, the land will be damaged, and our children will remain in poverty.”

In her letter, Idlout called on leaders to defend Inuit rights, hear directly from the Hunters and Trappers Organizations, and stand in solidarity with First Nations and Métis across Canada.

“Do not be bought by false promises or empty words,” Idlout wrote. “Bill C-5 risks undermining our rights and weakening our future. We must do what we can to protect our lands and our rights. We must ensure that the standard that was created in passing Bill C-5 does not pave the way to violate Indigenous Peoples’ rights.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney will be in Inuvik on July 24 to meet with Indigenous groups about Bill C-5. The bill grants the government extensive power to fast-track projects meant to boost the Canadian economy. Such powers include the ability to eliminate environmental oversight and violate Constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples.

“The Liberals are moving far too quickly to fast-track projects of national interest. They are ignoring their constitutional obligation to uphold the Nunavut Agreement. That Agreement mandates environmental assessments that protect Inuit voices. Instead, the government is sending a clear message: Inuit rights are expendable when industry stands to profit,” Idlout said.

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