Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: Barriers to Indigenous Economic Development, February 11th, 2022

Background on the Study

INAN has held two meetings on the study of Barriers to Indigenous Economic Development. The key issues that were raised by the Conservative members include Government reluctance to give up control to First Nations, financing for First Nations, how the Government can promote the economic freedom of First Nations, and solutions on how to reduce the infrastructure gap. The NDP inquired about the effect of the pandemic on economic development in Indigenous communities, as well as how a lack of housing and drinking water hinders economic development. The Bloc Québécois asked about impediments for Indigenous businesses in remote communities. The Liberals asked if First Nations should be provided with taxation powers that would enable them to improve their economies, how treaties assist with economic development, and how the federal government can help facilitate funding for Indigenous-owned businesses.

Here is a summary of some of the key points raised by the witnesses:

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

• We would like to see as a recommendation by this committee is a comprehensive federal government-wide strategy driven by indigenous peoples to support the [Inaudible]. Indigenous entrepreneurship strategy would make indigenous prosperity a priority for every federal department, agency and regulator, and provide the necessary down payment to support economic reconciliation.
• Indigenous entrepreneurship strategy should include the following three key pillars; access to procurement and program opportunities, access to markets and supply chain networks, and access to funding.
• We see eliminating the barriers to federal procurement, in addition to infrastructure set-asides for Indigenous businesses and communities, as critical steps to indigenous economic development.

Métis National Council

• Commit to the re-establishment of the Métis Economic Development Strategy through the capitalization of the Métis Capital Corporations rather than a push to borrow; the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program growth supports demonstrated demand; access to the Canada Small Business Financing Program and support in establishing regulated commercial sector Métis institutions.
• Equitable access to current economic development programming. First Nations and Inuit have access to the Lands and Economic Development Services Program; Métis do not, and to Regional Development Agencies
• Co-developed programming to address the gaps. There is no First Nations Finance Authority equivalent for Métis—that should be co-designed; co-designed programming in clean growth infrastructure; access to CMHC insurance and on procurement modernization, the funding of Métis business registries, and a commitment to develop meaningful statistics to guide our joint efforts.

British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

• Barriers include lack of respect for first nations' rights, jurisdictions—as it relates to treaties —and our inherent rights, lack of involvement in economic development planning decisions and financing.
• Finance is always an issue in regard to funding certain projects that are led by First Nations or are in partnership with First Nations. It's very difficult to access financing in terms of getting the necessary financing on many projects out there in terms of infrastructure and/or development of projects that are important to, not only our First Nations communities, but to the economy in general.

National Aboriginal Capital Corporations

• Proposes the creation of a $150-million Indigenous housing fund from which aboriginal financial institutions could leverage financing for individual and community housing.
• Additional funding for the aboriginal entrepreneurship program, announced in budget 2021, must meet the current needs and be made permanent.
• Provide 10-year funding agreements to qualified institutions.

First Nations Finance Authority

• We developed a proposal we call monetization … Monetization would see FNFA issue debentures into capital markets which could be used to fund infrastructure and other economic development (creating) a greater overall impact than the current federal approach. What's missing in the equation is a sufficient revenue stream to cover debt servicing and repayment.

First Nations Financial Management board

• We need to allow the creation of critical mass of communities to achieve the economies of scale that can offer the front and back office capacities required to secure the information needed.
• The need for modern day transfer arrangements between Canada and the provinces and First Nation governments.
• The need to modernize our administrative capacity to respond to the economic and governance matters that communities find themselves having to deal with.

First Nations Tax Commission

• We are proposing a new institution under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, the First Nations infrastructure institute
• We are proposing an increase in fiscal powers to include fuel, alcohol, cannabis and tobacco taxes.
• We're proposing a First Nations Resource charge in our ancestral lands. Implementing our fiscal powers is the fastest way to end colonial-era dependency.

Context on the Members

Most of the members are new to the Committee with the exception of MP Jamie Schmale (CPC), MP Jaime Battiste (Lib), MP Marcus Powlowski (Lib) and MP Gary Vidal (CPC).

MP Gary Vidal (CPC), critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations, has pressed the Government recently to involve Indigenous softwood lumber producers in the discussions in developing a softwood lumber agreement. "I believe there is an obligation to have many stakeholders at the table to solve the issues facing many Canadians across the country." (Hansard, December 1, 2021)

Martin Shields (CPC), who is critic for Indigenous Services, has not been vocal on Indigenous issues, but during the Federal election, he indicated that he will seek to strengthen existing relationships with Indigenous Nations such as Siksika in Alberta. Shannon Stubbs (CPC) has expressed concerns for the disproportionate challenges Indigenous people face, and indicated that concrete action is needed. (My Lloyd Minister Now, September 3, 2021)

Lori Idlout (NDP), the critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, will likely focus her questions on the economy in Nunavut. During the federal election, she indicated her main priorities were housing and mental health. Recently in the House of Commons, she expressed concerns with the standard of living of people in the territory. "Nunavummiut experience this crisis disproportionately. In 2016, Nunavut food costs were three times the national average. In 2018, 62% of Nunavut's households with children were food insecure. High cost of living affects Nunavummiut's access to their most basic human rights, including food, water, housing, health and mental health. We have felt these challenges for far too long, despite government programs and subsidies aimed at providing relief." (Hansard, January 31, 2022)

MP Marilène Gill (BQ) has been an active participant of INAN over the years. She has posed questions in the past about Indigenous rights, food security in the North, and the lack of progress in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. She has recently expressed the need to improve economic development and housing in Indigenous communities in northern Quebec. "The Innu and Naskapi make up 15% of the North Shore's population … We need to take action on the ground. The big issues are economic development and ending violence. The pandemic has hit First Nations harder than most. What they need is housing."

MP Pat Weiler's (Lib) key interests are tourism, labour, housing and affordability. He has indicated that he was "proud" when the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People received Royal Assent on June 21, 2021. (Pique News Magazine, August 27, 2021)

MP Jenica Atwin (Lib) has expressed concerns about racism against Indigenous people, and the problems they face in Indigenous communities with water, housing, and education. "It is imperative to our success and our collective well-being that we confront trauma in Canadian society. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada educates us about the intergenerational trauma that still ripples through communities today, about underfunded education and child welfare services, and about discrimination. (Hansard, November 30, 2021).

MP Michael Mcleod (Lib) will likely raise issues that pertain to communities in his riding in the Northwest Territories. He has indicated the importance of improving infrastructure. "Earlier today I met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss some of the priorities of NWTers, including Indigenous rights and closing the infrastructure gap." (Twitter, December 15, 2021)

MP Jamie Battiste (Lib), who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, often speaks to first-hand experience, and issues that affect Indigenous people in his riding in Nova Scotia (Sydney-Victoria). He's also indicated his concerns with ensuring efforts are being made to advance self-determination to improve economic development. "Lands are a crucial asset for advancing self-determination, economic development and well-being. Additions to reserve play a significant role in returning land to Indigenous communities, fulfilling legal obligations, improving relationships with Indigenous communities, and fostering economic opportunities." (Hansard, January 31, 2022).

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled to occur from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on February 11, 2022 via the web platform Zoom.

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 open the meeting and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce all witnesses. It is recommended to speak slowly and at an appropriate level to ensure the interpreters can hear you. All witnesses are requested to mute your microphone when you are not speaking.

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

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

1. 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 is a 70-second delay.

Challenge

• Nunavut and NWT are home to some of the lowest levels of high-school completion rates in Canada, particularly among Indigenous peoples.
• Indigenous unemployment is high in the territories, while overall unemployment in the NWT and Yukon are below the national average. This means that some sectors must rely on workers from outside the territories because of local workforce shortages and skills gaps.
• Access to skills development and educational opportunities for Northerners is constrained by limited transportation infrastructure, sub-par connectivity, high delivery costs and a limited number of qualified instructors, notably in small, isolated communities.

Opportunity

• The National Indigenous Economic Development Board estimated that Indigenous peoples in the territories could earn an additional $1.1 billion annually with the same education and training as non-Indigenous peoples.
• CanNor uses its grants and contributions programs, such as the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program and IDEANorth to enhance skills development infrastructure in the territories on a project basis. For example, CanNor has invested in projects such as the renovation of the Fisheries and Marine Training Centre in Iqaluit - $670,000 over 2 years - and the building of a regional training centre in Pond Inlet, NU - $10 million over 4 years.
• An initiative that is key in developing skills in Nunavut's Inuit population is actually housed within CanNor, Pilimmaksaivik is the office responsible for coordinating a government-wide approach to building a representative public service in Nunavut by designing and delivering culturally competent training while facilitating job matching and career development for Inuit.

Challenge

• The infrastructure deficit is a foundational challenge to economic growth in the territories.
• Infrastructure gaps differ among territories, for example: all communities in Nunavut and several NWT communities rely exclusively on marine and aviation transportation.
• There is an ongoing lack of affordable and available housing in the North. These challenges have been intensified by the pandemic due to the high cost of supplies and shortage of workers.

Opportunity

• While childcare is a long standing barrier in the territories that prevent some Northerners from participating in the labour force, the Government of Canada has now signed agreements with each territorial government to increase capacity and provide $10 a day childcare.
• Connectivity remains a significant infrastructure disparity in Nunavut and in parts of NWT but new initiatives are underway.
• For example, in April 2021, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Tłı̨chǫ Government announced $11 million of combined funding to connect 152 Whatì households to the NWT high-speed internet.
• On large-scale infrastructure projects, CanNor de-risks projects through investments in feasibility studies such as $3 million to support a feasibility study for the Kivalliq hydro-fibre link. We also convene public and private investors in the region.
• In 2020-21, CanNor provided $7.2 million towards 16 small-scale infrastructure projects, ranging from multipurpose infrastructure to clean energy.

Challenge

• Delays in regulatory approval processes and challenges with obtaining social license pose risks for future resource development projects in the territories.
• Lower exploration spending is a cause for concern, as less exploration now leads to fewer mines later. Territorial exploration spending declined by 50% between 2019 and 2020, with forecasted 2021 spending still 36% lower than 2019.

Opportunity

• The mining industry continues to be the largest private sector contributor to the territories' economies, accounting for approximately 23% of the GDP. New mines are set to open, but some gains will be offset as existing mines age out. Opportunities for contracting and employment for northern firms exist in the remediation sector.
• New opportunities exist in critical minerals. Increasing demand for green technologies will lead to greater demand for critical minerals, as these new technologies require significantly more critical mineral inputs than our legacy technologies. The Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan provides a joint pathway forward.
• Indigenous businesses and community members benefit from natural resource development projects as business partners, suppliers and from employment opportunities.
• In 2021-22, CanNor's Northern Project Management Office coordinated the Government of Canada's participation in seven environmental assessments and facilitated over 330 interactions between federal departments, industry, regulatory boards and Indigenous groups.
• CanNor invests in the development of partnerships between industry and indigenous businesses and promotes the potential of the critical minerals sector such as investing $1.2 million toward the Nechalacho Rare Earth Demonstration Project in the Northwest Territories, creating jobs for Indigenous peoples and Northerners.

Challenge

• The territorial economies are primarily composed of public administration and the extractive industries – about 50% of overall GDP.
• Economic diversification and innovation are key elements to territorial economic resilience and reconciliation.
• Nevertheless, foundational barriers such as infrastructure and skills development remain key barriers to advancing economic reconciliation in the territories.

Opportunity

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.