NDP MPs Call on Government to Support Indigenous Infrastructure in Nunavut and Across Canada

Lori Idlout and Bonita Zarrillo write to Minister Erskine-Smith

Read their letter to the minister

OTTAWA – On Friday, NDP critic for Indigenous Services and Northern Affairs Lori Idlout (Nunavut) and NDP critic for Infrastructure Bonita Zarrillo (Port Moody-Coquitlam), issued a joint call to the federal government to extend vital infrastructure programs for Indigenous communities, including those in Nunavut, that are set to expire in 2025.

In a letter to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Zarrillo and Idlout highlighted the urgent need for continued investment in the infrastructure of Indigenous communities, especially in the North. Despite ongoing commitments to close the Indigenous Infrastructure Gap by 2030, both MPs expressed concern that the federal government’s progress has been insufficient, and that the expiration of these programs will leave communities further behind.

“People in Nunavut have watched their communities fall apart while both the Liberals and the Conservatives have failed to give them the funding and support they need,” said Idlout. “I’m sick of the Liberals continuing to make promises they know they won’t keep – and their latest promise of closing the infrastructure gap by 2030 needs to have concrete action taken so people know they won’t be ignored yet again.”

Zarrillo added on, explaining that the infrastructure gap impacts all facets of life for Inuit. "Nunavut Inuit continue to face some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country, some of the worst health outcomes, no roads, and the slowest internet," said Zarrillo. “Without adequate infrastructure, basic services and economic opportunities are hindered. These communities rely on infrastructure to improve their quality of life, and if the federal government doesn’t act now, they will continue to be neglected."

The MPs pointed out that every Indigenous community depends on infrastructure to support essential services and stimulate local economies. Without long-term solutions and adequate investment, these communities will continue to face disproportionate barriers to prosperity.

“Northerners deserve better than being ignored by both the Liberals and the Conservatives and the longer they have to wait means more communities will fall apart,” added Idlout. “People need action – not more Conservative cuts or empty Liberal promises"

Both MPs are calling on the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to commit to extending and expanding infrastructure programs, ensuring that Indigenous communities have the support they need to thrive and grow.

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Soutenir l'infrastructure autochtone au Nunavut et dans l'ensemble du Canada

Lori Idlout et Bonita Zarrillo écrivent à la ministre Erskine-Smith

La députée et porte-parole du NPD pour les services autochtones et les affaires du Nord, Lori Idlout (Nunavut), et la députée et porte-parole pour l'infrastructure, Bonita Zarrillo (Port Moody-Coquitlam), ont lancé un appel commun au gouvernement fédéral pour qu'il prolonge les programmes d'infrastructure vitaux pour les communautés autochtones, y compris celles du Nunavut, qui doivent expirer en 2025.

Lisez leur lettre au ministre