Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee leaders working to make progress on shared priorities including housing and food security
December 4, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario – Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada
The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed and Inuit leaders, were pleased to gather on November 29 for the sixth meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC).
Together, they continued meaningful and productive discussions to advance a shared vision of a Canada where all people can participate fully in this country’s prosperity.
The ICPC is bringing transformational change in the relationship between Inuit and the Crown. It is changing how the federal government and Inuit set priorities, how policies and programs are designed, and how the joint efforts of Inuit and the Crown are evaluated.
The ICPC meeting focused on progress on the shared priorities identified in the Inuit Nunangat Declaration. They endorsed a new draft Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, outlining an Inuit-specific approach to addressing long-standing housing needs. Leaders agreed to proceed with a bilateral mechanism between the Government of Canada and Inuit leaders to provide meaningful input into addressing food insecurity among Inuit in Inuit Nunangat. They also explored options to identify how the Government of Canada can best support Inuit in reaching their educational goals; and discussed the ongoing co-development of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
By taking action on long-standing challenges such as these, they are all giving life to reconciliation and a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship.
Attending the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee meeting were:
President Natan Obed, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
President Aluki Kotierk, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
President Johannes Lampe, Nunatsiavut Government
President and CEO Duane Ningaqsiq Smith, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
President Charlie Watt, Makivik Corporation
Observers:
President Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Canada
President Rebecca Kudloo, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations
The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
The Hon. Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services
The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
The Hon. Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
Quotes
“Today at the sixth meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) we have continued our important work to jointly support a strong, vibrant Inuit Nunangat led by Inuit. By working together to set priorities and create opportunities for Inuit, we are giving life to reconciliation and a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“I was pleased to participate in discussions around important issues for Inuit in Inuit Nunangat at my first meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC). We are committed to moving forward with our Inuit partners to achieve a shared prosperity that makes reconciliation a reality.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C. Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
“When we started this process two years ago, I approached it with the expectation that the government of Canada could work with Inuit leaders to create a country where Inuit rights were valued and valuable. We continue to move forward on achieving this for Inuit and all Canadians.”
Natan Obed
President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Quick facts
- On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced the creation of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee.
- The Inuit Nunangat Declaration was signed by ministers of the Government of Canada and the leadership of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivik Corporation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as partners in the creation of prosperity for Inuit which benefits all Canadians.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
Vincent.Hughes@iga-aig.gc.ca
613-943-7111
Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002
Erin Brandt Filliter
Director of Communications
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
613-238-8181 ext. 272
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca
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