NDP MP Idlout named NDP critic for multiple files related to the North

OTTAWA – NDP MP Lori Idlout (Nunavut) has been assigned multiple critic roles. Idlout is the New Democrat critic for Arctic Sovereignty and Security, Natural Resources, Indigenous-Crown Relations and Indigenous Services, Justice, and Northern and Atlantic Economic Development.

“I am honoured to take on these new responsibilities,” said Idlout. “A major part of my decision to stand for Parliament was my concern for Nunavummiut to be engaged in Arctic defence and security and the need for Canada to address the enormous infrastructure gap in Indigenous communities.”

Since her election in 2021, Idlout has spoken hundreds of times in Parliament on issues related to Arctic Sovereignty and Indigenous-Crown relations. In the 44^th Parliament, she secured $8.3 billion for Indigenous housing - $400 million of which went to Nunavut - and funding to build the Arctic Bay small craft harbour.

“Protecting Canada’s Arctic means Nunavummiut must be engaged in Arctic security,” said Idlout. “The federal government must do more to fund infrastructure improvements and projects in Nunavut like deep seaports, airport runways, and marine search and rescue stations. We must address the severe poverty in Nunavut such as overcrowded, mouldy homes and food insecurity.”

Protecting Canada’s Arctic means first and foremost making investments in Indigenous people and Arctic and territorial communities. Decisions about Canada’s Arctic need to be made through cooperation, consultation and consent.

“I am concerned that Indigenous peoples rights will be violated if Prime Minister Carney continues barrelling through his One Project One Review,” said Idlout. “The Liberals need to recognize that ensuring healthy Indigenous communities is also a Nation-building project.”

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