Poverty Reduction Roundtable takes big step forward

IQALUIT, NU (June 12, 2012) – The Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction has agreed on a framework for the Makimaniq five-year Poverty Reduction Action Plan, say co-chairs from the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

“The steps we took this week will ensure that the five-year Poverty Reduction Action Plan promised by this government will reflect priorities shared by all of us,” said Minister of Family Services and Roundtable co-chair, Monica Ell. “Developing a shared plan for action takes time, frank conversation, and a lot of mutual learning, and I commend the participants for their hard work.”

The five-year plan will be finalized this fall and start in 2014. The plan will implement poverty reduction efforts by NTI, the Government of Nunavut, and communities. Roundtable participants expressed a strong desire to involve more Nunavummiut in the finalization of the plan. “I am encouraged by the work that has been undertaken to date on poverty reduction,” said NTI Vice-President Jack Anawak. “We have consensus on the work that is required across many sectors to reduce poverty. Now we must show leadership and take action.”

Participants discussed progress on the implementation of The Makimaniq Plan and agreed that this holistic approach should be continued in the five year poverty reduction action plan. It was also decided that the five year plan should emphasize:

• healing and well-being;
• a broad-based approach to child development (Inunnguiniq), with an emphasis on parenting skills;
• progressive change of the income support system to remove the welfare wall.

Participants called for improved communications on the implementation of the plan, and support for the mobilization in communities around poverty reduction initiatives.

The meeting included a special session to hear the views of elders, and participants decided that this should continue in future Roundtable gatherings.

More than 70 people attended the three-day gathering. Participants included representatives from communities across Nunavut, community organizations, business, Inuit organizations, and government.

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Media Contact:

Pam Coulter
Director of Communications
Government of Nunavut
867-975-6049
[email protected]

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
867-975-4914
[email protected]