Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs - Effects of the Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples Across Canada - March 4, 2022

House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs the effects of the housing shortage among Indigenous Peoples in Canada

March, 2022

Kwe Kwe, Tansi, Unnusakkut, Good morning, Bonjour.

I would like to acknowledge that I am on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg [ah-nish-naw-bek] people.

Thank you for inviting me before the committee to discuss this important issue.  

Indigenous Peoples in Canada face the worst housing outcomes in the country. We know that overcrowded and inadequate housing remains a key factor in the persistent physical health, mental health, and other social and economic challenges faced in these communities.

In Inuit Nunangat, close to 52% of Inuit live in overcrowded homes.

We're working together amongst key federal departments and agencies and with Indigenous partners to improve and sustain housing outcomes in Indigenous communities.

For Inuit housing needs, CIRNAC is working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit land claims organizations, and federal partners to implement the co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy.

The Strategy sets out important joint work to address Inuit housing needs and is rooted in a self-determination approach whereby Inuit play a direct role in the delivery of housing in Inuit Nunangat.

Since 2016, we have committed $490 million over 12 years to support Inuit-led housing in Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit Region. Along with repairs to many existing units, these investments will result in close to 500 new units constructed in these regions by the end of 2022.

We continue to work with Inuit partners to address gaps and challenges identified in the Strategy to further improve outcomes, to find opportunities to enhance distinctions-based investments and improve access to federal housing programs. Directly supporting Inuit-led housing respects the Inuit to Crown relationship and is a positive step forward on the path to reconciliation.

To respond to the housing issues, my department continues to work with Indigenous Services Canada, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and other partners on innovative and sustainable solutions in partnership with territorial and provincial governments, First Nations and Inuit.

We also continue to play an active role through co-development and implementation of other progressive approaches to housing and infrastructure.

The Housing Sub-Accord, funded at $500 million over 10 years from Budget 2018, reflects a shared commitment to narrow the core housing needs gap. I'm pleased to say that, as of March 31, 2021, Métis partners built or bought 1,158 housing units, repaired or renovated 2,096 housing units, and provided annual rental supports or subsidies for 7,584 housing units.

In Yukon, housing and infrastructure needs are determined by each Self-Governing Yukon First Nation. Their efforts resulted in the building of 90 units and 13 new developed lots, a water main project, energy efficiency upgrades to existing housing, and community infrastructure.

We will continue this work through current and future investments, the implementation of housing strategies and stated commitments to make significant progress. We are working with partners on the best ways to address the problem; and we are directly supporting Indigenous-led approaches.

I thank you for the opportunity to appear today to discuss this important work, and I am ready to take your questions.

Meegwetch. Nakummek. Marci. Thank you. Merci.

Logistics

Date: Friday, March 04, 2022

Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Videoconference (Zoom)

Subject: Effects of Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Witnesses from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

1. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister (appearing in person)
2. Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister
3. Serge Beaudoin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Affairs
4. Kristi Carin, Acting Director General, Reconciliation Secretariat
5. Patrick Barthold, Director, Modern Treaty Management Central

Witnesses from Indigenous Services Canada

1. The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister
2. Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister
3. Joanne Wilkinson: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Regional Operations
4. Nelson Barbosa: A/DG Community Infrastructure Branch, Regional Operations

Witnesses from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

1. Patricia Roset-Zuppa, Vice-President, Policy Development
2. Benjamin Williams, Director, Indigenous and the North Housing Solutions

Context

INAN adopted the following motion on February 15, 2022:

"That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the effects of the housing shortage on Indigenous Peoples across Canada; that the committee invite the Minister of Indigenous Services, experts and government officials to examine this issue; that the committee hold a maximum of six meetings on this issue; that the study takes into consideration and builds on the evidence from the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities report entitled Indigenous Housing: The Direction Home (adopted on Thursday, May 6, 2021), the Parliamentary Budget Officer report on Urban, Rural and Northern Housing (Thursday, February 11, 2021); that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and that the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report within a year."

Background

The Ministers' March 4, 2022 appearance will launch the INAN study on the Effects of Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The committee will hold a maximum of six (6) meetings on this study. Future meeting dates and witnesses lists for the remainder of the study are not yet available.

INAN's most recent focus has been on a study of the Barriers to Indigenous Economic Development, which it launched on February 4, 2022. The key issues that were raised during the economic barriers study relate to the inaccessibility to funding for Indigenous communities, (leading to a lack of stable revenue); education; inaccessibility to energy and transportation infrastructure; and, housing disparities. The ISC and Northern Affairs Ministers appeared with officials on February 11, 2022.

Membership

MP Jamie Schmale (CPC), critic for Indigenous Services, has been vocal on housing disparities affecting Indigenous populations. Specifically, the member had advocated for an increase in funding to address issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as overcrowding in First Nations communities. "The need for proper housing in Indigenous communities should be top of mind for everyone in this place. During the pandemic we have all seen the crowded situations and the fact that the virus does spread quicker inside tight spaces with lots of people. This is where governments need to re-evaluate how they are doing business because in many cases, the First Nations communities have ideas and ways to fix this problem." (Hansard, Budget Implementation Act, June 11, 2021)

MP Martin Shields (CPC), Deputy Critic for Minister for Indigenous Services, has been critical of the history surrounding Indigenous populations that are now affecting Indigenous cultures and languages. The member has made considerable efforts to advocate for First Nations in his riding, such as the Siksika Nation, and has indicated they are experiencing housing problems. (Hansard, November 5, 2020).

MP Shannon Stubbs (CPC), new member for INAN, has been vocal about reconciliation and economic development in Indigenous communities and has advocated for further investments to improve housing disparities. "However, while Conservatives made historic investments and took action regarding Indigenous culture, education, housing and water treatment under the previous government, the reality is that a total reliance on federal funding will never provide the future that First Nations want for their children. That is why Indigenous economic reconciliation and empowerment are also important to Conservatives." (Hansard, Indigenous Languages Act, May 9, 2019)

MP Gary Vidal (CPC), critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations, has spoken about the lack of funding allocated to Indigenous communities in the Prairies, as well as the need for better housing. "Madam Chair, I asked in question period the other day whether we could expect, for the First Nations-owned lumber mill in my riding, to have the $20 million that have been withheld in tariffs returned to it through this process … Can this lumber mill in Saskatchewan that has $20 million tied up, which is not being used for First Nations to provide social housing and other benefits to its communities, expect to get its $20 million back, and when it might happen?" (Hansard, December 1, 2021)

MP Lori Idlout (NDP), newly elected MP, new member of INAN, and critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, has noted the need for better housing for Indigenous people affected by the opioid crisis, as well as better housing for seniors. She recently spoke about the need for better housing for people in Nunavut. "All the while Nunavummiut also continue to struggle amidst a housing crisis. A 2020 report from the Nunavut Housing Corporation said there are an estimated 56% of Inuit that live in overcrowded homes." (Debates, February 15, 2022).

MP Marilène Gill (BQ), critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, has been an active advocate for Indigenous issues, specifically the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 72-78. The member has recently been more vocal on housing in Indigenous communities. "People will correct me if I am wrong, but according to everyone I have spoken with, housing is a cornerstone of First Nations development and well-being." (Hansard, December 8, 2021).

MP Jenica Atwin (LIB), new member for INAN, has focused on issues relating to Indigenous youth throughout her career, primarily focusing on education. Recently, the member has spoken out on issues relating to Indigenous housing in contrast with other intersectional influences, such as water quality, poverty and racism. "I am thinking of court cases, child welfare, residential school survivors, the boil water advisories, the lack of action on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the snail's pace of implementing the TRC recommendations, the poverty, the state of housing." (Hansard, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, April 15, 2021)

MP Jaime Battiste (LIB), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, has been strong advocate for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues throughout his career. He has spoken about the inequalities that Indigenous people face, and the effects of poverty on Indigenous youth. "To me, it is hard to look those in my community in the eye when the rate of children in poverty is 75% in my community despite their having a right to earn a moderate livelihood." (Hansard, Emergency Debate, October 19, 2020)

MP Michael V. Mcleod (LIB) has been outspoken on the unique challenges of Indigenous communities in the North, such as the cost of living and food insecurity. "In communities across the Northwest Territories, access to affordable housing is one of the biggest issues my constituents face. That is why I was so pleased last month to join the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and local leaders for three announcements that will help more people in NWT have a safe place to call home." (Housing – Statements by Members, February 2, 2022)

MP Patrick Weiler (LIB) has spoken out about the need for better housing for Indigenous people in his riding in BC. "Indigenous communities in British Columbia deserve access to safe and affordable housing. That's why our Government is investing in 80 affordable housing units on Squamish Nation Reserve lands at Siyich'em in Squamish and Xwmelch'stn in West Vancouver to help stimulate the local economy and improve the quality of life for Squamish Nation members." (Newswire.com, February 22, 2022)

MP Marcus Powlowski (LIB) has also acknowledged the need for better housing for Indigenous communities. "I fully support efforts to improve the living conditions of the Indigenous population - we can do better than we are doing now." (Netnewsledger.com, July 21, 2019)

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on March 4, 2022 and will be held via the web platform Zoom. While officials from Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada, and XX, are appearing during the first hour, INAN has invited other witnesses to appear from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All witnesses will be asked to connect to the meeting at 12:30 p.m. The Zoom link will be sent directly from the House of Commons to the witnesses.

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce the witnesses and invite the Ministers deliver their opening remarks (speaking order TBC). Following the Ministers, officials from XX may also make opening statements. It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate level to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either English or French, but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges. It is recommended that the speeches are made in one official language.

Following the opening remarks, there will be rounds of questions from Committee members (as listed below).

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

• First round (6 minutes for each Party)
  • Conservative Party of Canada
  • Liberal Party of Canada
  • Bloc Québécois
  • New Democratic Party of Canada
• Second round
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Bloc Québécois (2.5 minutes)
  • New Democratic Party of Canada (2.5 minutes)
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)

The meeting can be watched via parlvu, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the field. A real time audio line will be shared if one is provided for this meeting.

Northern Housing and Infrastructure

• Our government recognizes the importance of housing and infrastructure and the challenges Northerners face, a point that has been further exacerbated by the global pandemic.
• That is why, through Budget 2021 we are providing dedicated northern infrastructure and housing investments including:
  • $25 million each to the Governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to support their immediate housing and infrastructure needs; and,
  • A historic investment of $18 million for northern First Nation and Métis communities in the Northwest Territories.
  • The funding breaks down as follows:
    • $5 million for the Dehcho
    • $5 million for the Akaitcho
    • $2 million for the North Slave Métis Alliance
    • $6 million for the Northwest Territory Métis Nation

If pressed on additional infrastructure funding

• Budget 2021 is also providing $517.8 million for Inuit land claim organizations to support infrastructure in Inuit Nunangat, as well as $517.7 million to Indigenous Self-Government and Modern Treaty Partners to support action plans specific to infrastructure priorities, needs and circumstances.
• Our Government has also established two dedicated intergovernmental task-forces to advance solutions and recommendations to respond to the critical housing and infrastructure needs in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

If pressed on funding

• Since 2016, The Government is further supporting housing in Inuit Nunangat in the following ways:
  • $25 million for the Government of Nunavut to address immediate needs;
  • $10 million to create an estimated 24 new affordable homes in Nunavut;
  • $490 million to support Inuit-led housing in Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit regions; and,
  • Implementing, with Inuit, the co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy.
  • Canada-wide investments are also available to further support housing in Nunavut and throughout Inuit Nunangat, such as:
    • $13.2 billion through the National Housing Co-investment Fund; and,
    • $2.5 billion through the rapid housing initiative.

If pressed on sufficiency of funding

• The Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund was based, in part, on submissions provided to Canada by our partners. We remain committed to addressing housing gaps with our partners on a nation-to-nation basis. As we continue our work with partners through initiatives like the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process, we expect to continue to develop better tools to assess and close housing gaps.

If pressed on rising Costs of Construction

• We understand that the costs of construction have gone up due to issues with the supply chain, labour markets, and inflationary pressure. We continue to work with our partners in a variety of forums, including the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process, to ensure that these costs are accounted for now and in the development of future fiscal policy. 

The Hon. Marc Garneau, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC INAN Chair

Biographical Information

Born in Quebec City, Quebec, the Honourable Marc Garneau was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008, and re-elected in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2021.

Mr. Garneau graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in engineering physics and began his career in the Canadian Forces Maritime Command. In 1973 he received a PhD in electrical engineering from the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, England.

From 1982 to 1983, he attended the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto. While there, he was promoted to the rank of commander and was subsequently promoted to captain(N). Mr. Garneau retired from the Canadian Forces in 1989.

Mr. Garneau was also one of the first six Canadian Astronauts and he became the first Canadian in outer space in October 1984. In February 2001, he was appointed executive vice-president of the Canadian Space Agency and became its president in November 2001.

Mr. Garneau was Minister of Transport from 2015-2021 and Minister of Foreign Affairs January-October 2021 . Mr. Garneau is currently not in Cabinet.

Jamie Schmale, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON
Critic for Indigenous Services; Vice-Chair INAN

Biographical Information

Born in Brampton, ON, Jamie Schmale was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2015, and re-elected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to his election, Mr. Schmale served as the executive assistant and campaign manager for former Conservative MP Barry Devolin (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ontario). He graduated from the Radio Broadcasting program at Loyalist College in Ontario and started his career as a news anchor. He later became a news director for CHUM media.

Mr. Schmale was the critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations in the 43rd Parliament. In the 42nd Parliament, Mr. Schmale served as the opposition critic for Northern Economic Development, and Deputy Critic for Natural Resources. He was a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2015-2017) and the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2017-2019).

Currently, Mr. Schmale serves as the critic for Indigenous Services.

Marilène Gill, Manicouagan, QC Critic Indigenous and Northern Affairs; Vice-Chair INAN

Biographical Information

Born in Sorel, QC, Marilène Gill was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and was re-elected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to her election, Mrs. Gill was teaching at the college level and pursuing doctoral studies in literature. Her background also includes roles as a unionist, development officer, coordinator of the Table de concertation en condition feminine de la Côte-Nord. She is also involved in the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ). She has also acted as literary director for Éditions Trois-Pistoles, and has published personal works there for which she has received several awards and grants. Mrs. Gill was also political attaché to Michel Guimond, former member and chief whip of the Bloc Québécois.

Mrs. Gill is deputy whip, chair of the Young Families Caucus and critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs for the Bloc Québécois.

Jenica Atwin, Fredericton, NB

Biographical Information

Jenica Atwin grew up in Oromocto, NB. She was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019 as a Member of the Green Party before joining the Liberal Party in June 2021.

Mrs. Atwin completed a Master's in Education at the University of New Brunswick.

Prior to being elected, she was an education consultant and researcher at a First Nations Education Centre. In 2016, she co-organized a spin-off of We Day focused on introducing First Nations youth to one another and helping those who have recently moved off of reserves.

She is a new member of INAN. She previously served on the COVID-19 Pandemic Committee.

Jaime Battiste, Sydney—Victoria, NS Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Biographical Information

Born on the Eskasoni First Nation, NS, Jaime Battiste was elected to the House of Commons in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. He is the first Mi'kmaw Member of Parliament in Canada.

Mr. Battiste graduated from Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in 2004. He has held positions as a Professor, Senior Advisor, Citizenship Coordinator, and as a Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations.

Mr. Battiste's volunteer work over the years involves athletics, youth advocacy, community events, and advocacy for the Mi'kmaq Nation. He is a member of the Aboriginal Sport Circle and a part owner of the Eskasoni Junior B Eagles.

Mr. Battiste served as a representative to the Assembly of First Nation's National Youth Council from 2001-2006. In 2005, the National Aboriginal Healing Organization named him as one of the "National Aboriginal Role Models in Canada." In 2006, as the Chair of the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council, he was one of the founding members of the Mi'kmaw Maliseet Atlantic Youth Council (MMAYC), an organization that represents and advocates for Mi'kmaw and Maliseet youth within the Atlantic region. In 2018, Mr. Battiste was recognized with the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, which is a Canadian decoration to honour volunteers who have made significant and continual contributions to their community.

Mr. Battiste was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations in December 2021.

He has been a member of INAN since February 2020 and has previously been a member of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

Michael V. Mcleod, Northwest Territories, NWT

Biographical Information

Born in Fort Providence, NWT, Michael Mcleod was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to entering federal politics, Mr. McLeod served Northwest Territories residents as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1999-2011 and advised clients in the tourism industry as Tourism Development Officer for the Government of the Northwest Territories. He also previously served as mayor of Fort Providence, president of his Métis Local, and vice-president of Deh Cho Regional Council.

Mr. McLeod earned a diploma in Management Studies from Arctic College and began his career as a self-employed contractor. He has been a member of the Northwest Territories Tourism, NWT Public Utilities, and Mackenzie Valley Environment Impact Review Boards. The latter's mission, conducting fair and timely environmental assessments, remains a key interest.

Mr. McLeod was previously a member of INAN 2016-2017 and has served as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and as Chair of the Arctic and Northern Caucus.

Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Fort William, ON, Marcus Powlowski was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.

Prior to being elected, Mr. Powlowski served as a physician in the Emergency Room at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. In addition to being a medical doctor, he has two law degrees - LL.B, LL.M from the universities of Toronto and Georgetown, respectively. He also attended Harvard University and obtained a Masters of Public Health in Health Law and Policy.

Mr. Powlowski worked as a doctor for two years in northern First Nations communities, and for seven years practicing medicine in several developing countries in Africa and Oceania. For several years, he worked as a consultant in health legislation for the World Health Organization. He also volunteered on a medical project in Ethiopia.

Mr. Powlowski has been a member of INAN since February 2020 and has also sat on the COVID-19 Pandemic Committee and the Standing Committee on Health.

Patrick Weiler, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC

Biographical Information

Born in West Vancouver, BC, Patrick Weiler was first elected to Parliament in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.

Prior to his election, Mr. Weiler was an advocate for safeguarding the environment as an environmental and natural resource management lawyer, representing First Nations, small businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in Canada and internationally. Mr. Weiler has also worked in partnership with the United Nations and international development agencies, with a mission to improve the governance of natural resources and management of aquatic ecosystems.

Mr. Weiler completed a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Law.

Mr. Weiler served on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, and the bi-partisan Climate Caucus and Tourism Caucus.

Martin Shields, Bow River, AB Deputy Critic Minister for Indigenous Services

Biographical Information

Born in Lethbridge, AB, Martin Shields was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and reelected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to his election to the House of Commons, Mr. Shields served as a teacher and administrator for 30 years and a part-time university instructor for 20 years. He has served as Mayor and Councilor of the City of Brooks, Board member and vice chair of the Palliser Regional Health Board, Shortgrass Regional Library, Alberta Provincial Library Trustees Association, Bow River Basin Council, as well as a Director and Vice President of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.

He has previously served as the Director of Strathmore-Brooks Alberta Conservative Constituency Association and is a past President of the Medicine Hat Federal Conservative Constituency Association.

He has served on several committees, including the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, and the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. He also served as vice chair of the CPC-Alberta MP Caucus.

Mr. Shields is currently the CPC deputy critic for Indigenous Services.

Shannon Stubbs, Lakeland, AB

Biographical Information

Born in Chipman, AB, Shannon Stubbs was first elected to Parliament in 2015, and re-elected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to her election, she worked for several years in the Oil Sands Business Unit in the Alberta Department of Energy and in the International Offices and Trade Division of Alberta Economic Development. She was then a Senior Consultant with Hill + Knowlton Canada where she advocated for clients across the health and pharmaceutical, oil and gas, not for profit and charity, and education sectors. She also contributed to a successful initiative for the expansion of energy trades and technology education and apprenticeship training with Government and Community Relations at SAIT Polytechnic.

Mrs. Stubbs is a new member of INAN. She previously served as the Critic for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and as Critic for Natural Resources. She was the Vice Chair of the Standing Committees on Public Safety and National Security, Natural Resources, and the Special Select Standing Committee for Pay Equity.

Gary Vidal, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK Critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations

Biographical Information

Born in Meadow Lake, SK, Gary Vidal was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.

Prior to his election, Mr. Vidal served as Mayor of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan from 2011 to 2019. He studied at the University of Saskatchewan and Briercrest Bible College. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and is a partner in the accounting firm Pliska Vidal & Co. since 1988. He was also Vice Chair of Saskatchewan City Mayors' Caucus from 2016 to 2018. He was a member of the SaskWater Board of Directors from 2008 to 2017. In this position, he also served as Chair of the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, and Chair of the Board from 2015 to 2017.

Mr. Vidal has volunteered in a variety of leadership capacities in his local church as well as on the board of Bethel Gospel Camp, an interdenominational children's bible camp. Other volunteer activities include coaching and managing minor hockey, baseball, and soccer teams. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Mr. Vidal previously served as the critic for Indigenous Services, and is currently the critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations. He has been a member of INAN since February 2020 and also sat on the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic during the last Parliament (2019-2021).

Lori Idlout, Nunavut, NV Critic – Northern Affairs; Critic – Indigenous Services; Critic – Crown-Indigenous Relations

Biographical Information

Born in Igloolik, NU, Lori Idlout was first elected to the House of Commons in 2021.

Prior to her election Ms. Idlout practiced law in Iqaluit with her own firm, Qusugaq Law. She represented the group protesting against the Baffinland Iron Mine's expansion, as well as serving as the technical adviser for the Ikajutit Hunters and Trappers Organization during a public hearing on the issue. Between 2004 and 2011, Ms. Idlout served as the executive director of the Nunavut Embrace Life Council, a not-for-profit organization committed to suicide prevention. She had previously worked for Nunavut's Department of Health and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as a policy analyst, and was the founder of Coalition of Nunavut DEAs as a director of the Iqaluit District Education Authority in order to advocate for educational services.

Ms. Idlout received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Lakehead University in 1997, and a doctorate in law from the University of Ottawa (2018).

She is a new member of INAN and the NDP critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Indigenous Services.