Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on the 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates (B)

Logistics

Date: December 8, 2022
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location (hybrid): In-person (Room 415, Wellington Building, 197 Sparks Street) and virtual (zoom details TBD)
Subject: Briefing on CIRNAC's Supplementary Estimates (B), 2022-2023

Appearing

Context

Meeting proceedings

The meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2022, and will be a hybrid meeting.

Witnesses who are appearing virtually will be asked to access the meeting 30 minutes prior to its start to conduct sound/video/connectivity checks. 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 to deliver opening remarks. This will be followed by a Q&A period (details below).

It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate volume 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 ParlvVU, 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.

Other information for appearing in-person

• Witnesses should arrive early so they may go through security, especially those without a Hill pass
• There is a maximum of 4 witnesses at the table and 8 in the public gallery in total.

Supplementary Estimates B for 2022-23

Northern Food Security

My department continues to work on a number of priorities together with Indigenous, territorial and Northern partners. One of the most pressing, and a significant part of these supplementary estimates, is addressing food insecurity across the North and Arctic, because everyone deserves access to affordable and healthy food, no matter where they live.

Much has been said about Nutrition North over the last few weeks and months. I'd like to be clear – no one government program will address food insecurity on its own which is why we are taking a whole of government approach.

New funding for Northern Affairs includes $87.5 million in grant funding for Northern Food Security, which was allocated through Budget 2021 and will allow the Nutrition North Canada grant and contribution program to better support local food systems in communities across the North and Arctic.

This initiative also broadens the Harvesters Support Grant with additional funding for the new Community Food Programs Fund to support food sharing activities that include market, country, and locally grown foods.

Together, the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs mark a fundamental shift by empowering communities to determine and action their own food security priorities. These new measures were co-developed in full partnership and reflect the priorities of Northerners.

I recognize, like the Member for Nunavut, that many Hunters and Trappers may not be aware of this program, and I offer my support to her to help share information about this important program that delivers funding to communities through recipient organizations, including Inuit Land Claims Organizations.

Climate Change

With respect to climate change and cleaner energy, communities in the North and Arctic are seeing the effects of climate change at a much higher and drastic rate than in the rest of Canada. It's impacting traditional way of life, infrastructure, migration patterns, sea ice levels, coastal erosion and more. These estimates also include $5.5 million to support assessments of its impacts on community infrastructure and emergency management in Indigenous and Northern communities, and to identify adaptation options.

Clean Energy

Many Northern and Arctic communities have no choice but to rely on costly and polluting diesel to light and heat their homes. The estimates also include $6.2 million of reprofiled contribution funding for Clean Energy Projects in the North, allowing for "by the North, for the North" solutions to support the transition of Indigenous and remote communities to clean energy and reduce reliance on diesel over time.

The two streams consist of $2.2 million for community clean energy and $4 million to support planning and feasibility for hydroelectricity and grid-interconnection projects in the North.

Just last month I travelled to Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit to announce our government's support for feasibility and planning of the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project ($7 million) and the Iqaluit Hydro-Electricity Project ($4 million). This important project aims to get Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit off-diesel an onto cleaner, renewable energy.

Advancing a circular economy for plastic in canada

As part of our efforts to clean up our environment, there is also $1 million in new funding to begin collecting data to address plastic pollution in Northern environments. This will support coordinated generation, collection and management of scientific and environmental data and Indigenous knowledge.

Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Contaminated Sites

There is also $28.5 million being brought forward from the previous year for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to advance planned remediation activities in 2022-23.

This reprofile will support the reduction of risk to human health and the environment, and will ensure that affected communities see the social and economic benefits of these clean ups.

Conclusion

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to appear before you today and provide a summary of how these Supplementary Estimates will support Northern Affairs.

Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object

This table shows the forecast of total expenditures by Standard Object, which includes the types of goods or services to be acquired, or the transfer payments to be made and the funds to be credited to the vote.

Definitions of standard objects available at: Object codes for 2022 to 2023

Horizontal Items

The items listed in this table are horizontal initiatives and other jointly funded items. Both types of horizontal items generally involve two or more organizations with a formal funding agreement (e.g. Memorandum to Cabinet or Treasury Board submission). Through horizontal initiatives, the organizations work in partnership toward the achievement of shared outcomes. In jointly funded items, organizations receive incremental funding, and each independently contributes to the realization of the stated objective(s).

If pressed on funding for Northern Food Security: Seeding Local Food Systems in the Nort

• Supplementary Estimates (B) provides $87.5 million of new funding to support the Nutrition North Canada's grant and contribution program.
• This funding will permit the program to increase the retail subsidy budget to maintain pandemic level subsidy rates for nutritious foods and essential items.
• This initiative broadens the Harvesters Support Grant with expanded terms and conditions. Additional funding is provided for the new Community Food Programs Fund component to support food sharing activities that include market, country, and locally grown foods.
• It will also help to improve food security in northern and isolated communities by supporting access to traditional, market and locally produced food.

If pressed on funding for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program and on funding for the Federal Contaminated Site Action Plan

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes reprofiles of $28.5 million for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program and $0.3 million for the Federal Contaminated Site Action Plan.
• These reprofiles will allow the Government of Canada to continue to meet the objective of reducing the risk to human health and the environment and the associated financial liability at federal contaminated sites.

If pressed on funding for Clean Energy

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes a reprofile of $6.2 million to support the transition of Indigenous and remote communities to clean energy and reduce reliance on diesel.
• This funding will contribute to Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan, Emissions Reduction Plan and the Government of Canada's commitment to transition Indigenous and remote communities from diesel to renewable energy.
• It will reduce reliance on imported diesel that is increasingly susceptible to supply chain disruptions and volatile markets.

If pressed on funding for assessments of climate change impacts on community infrastructure and emergency management in Indigenous communities and identifying adaptation options

• Supplementary Estimates (B) provides $5.5 million of new funding to renew the First Nation Adapt program's flood mapping stream. The renewed program will continue to support First Nations participation in regional watershed management approaches, generating flood data using climate projections, and developing effective adaptation strategies.
• This funding will ensure First Nation communities at risk of experiencing flooding are equipped with the information and tools they need to participate in climate change adaptation planning and improve their resilience to flooding by integrating climate risk into planning and decision-making for land-use, infrastructure, and others.
• This will also support Indigenous and northern communities in their resilience to changing environments.

If pressed on funding for Advancing a Circular Economy for Plastics in Canada (Budget 2022) (horizontal item)

• Supplementary Estimates (B) provides $1 million of new funding to continue contributing to the implementation of Canada's Plastics Science Agenda through its Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program by supporting the coordinated generation, collection and management of scientific and environmental data and Indigenous knowledge pertaining to plastics and microplastics in the environment.
• This work will continue to build upon limited baseline information and will serve to establish geographic and temporal trends of plastic pollution in Arctic and Northern environments through the detection, quantification, and characterization of plastics and its impacts on the environment, wildlife, and potentially human health.

If pressed on funding for the Nunavut Devolution

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes a reprofile of $0.1 million to support Section 35 Consultation with Indigenous groups necessary to conclude the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement by the end of 2022.
• This funding will ensure Indigenous Groups have access to funding so they can continue to meaningfully consult with Canada regarding whether devolution respects their existing and asserted section 35 rights.
• Advancing the Nunavut devolution process strengthens federal, territorial, and Indigenous relations in the territory.
• This will also advance political, social and economic development in Canada's Arctic and North.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2022-23

Supplementary Estimates present information to Parliament on Government of Canada spending requirements not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the Main Estimates. Supplementary Estimates (B) are the second estimates for 2022-23.

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The 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates (B) reflects a net increase of $6,348.9 million, which includes $5,705.1 million in new funding, $566.0 million of reprofiled funding, $52.3 million of transfers from other government departments, and $25.5 million for technical adjustments.

CIRNAC's total budgetary authorities for 2022-23 will be $13.7 billion.

Key messages

• Nutrition North Canada supports food security in northern isolated communities by improving access and affordability to market, country and local food and essential items.
• An investment of $143.4 million over two years from Budget 2021 expanded Nutrition North Canada to strengthen food security and food sovereignty in the communities and regions it serves.
• An additional $20 million from Budget 2022 is being invested into the retail subsidy to address increased program demand and offset rising costs due to inflation.
• Funding for the retail subsidy program and the Harvesters Support Grant have been increased, and a new Community Food Programs Fund and a Food Security Research Grant have been co-developed with Indigenous and northern partners to better support food security priorities in NNC communities.
• Launched in 2020-21, the Harvesters Support Grant is increasing access to country foods by providing funding to support traditional hunting, harvesting and food sharing in 109 isolated northern communities. In its first year, the Harvesters Support Grant supported over 5,500 harvesters, over 150 hunts, and over 120 food sharing initiatives.

If pressed on the Inuit Food Security Strategy

• The expanded Harvesters Support Grant and the introduction of the Community Food Programs Fund support distinctions-based and community-led food security decision making. These new programming investments also directly support Inuit- identified actions contained within their own Inuit Food Security Strategy.
• Nutrition North Canada's newly implemented food security programming was co-developed with Indigenous and community partners, and included involvement from all four Inuit Land Claims Organizations.
• From 2019-20 to 2022-23, NNC has transferred over $54.6 million to the four Regional Inuit Organizations through HSG and Community Food Programs funding. This breaks down as follows:

If pressed on high food prices in the North

• Food insecurity in isolated Indigenous and northern communities is driven by a number of interconnected factors, including poverty and socio-economic gaps. It is a complex issue requiring shared solutions among all levels of government.
• Since its inception in 2011, Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program has helped to lower the prices of eligible food and essential items in isolated northern communities, while increasing the amount of perishable nutritious food available. The number of eligible communities has increased from 79 to 122.
• Recent use of the NNC retail subsidy program has been unprecedented. Between 2011 and 2021, the average volume of eligible items shipped to northern isolated communities increased by approximately 106 percent. About 285.7 million kilograms of eligible items were subsidized, with an average increase of about 4.2 million kilograms annually.
• In March 2020, more than 9 years after the launch of the Nutrition North Canada program, the average food basket cost in Nutrition North Canada communities was 2.19% lower than it was in March 2011, prior to the launch of the program. According to Statistics Canada, food prices from stores elsewhere in Canada rose by 16.9% over the same period.
• The Government of Canada is continuing to address high food prices, during a period when northerners need it most. Through Budget 2022, NNC will be injecting an additional $20 million to be allocated towards the retail subsidy. The funding will be used to address the rising cost of food due to inflation.

If pressed on the quality of food on grocery store shelves:

• Nutrition North Canada takes the availability of healthy and nutritious food in the communities that it serves seriously, as do the registered retailers who sell food in the program's 122 eligible communities. NNC officials work closely with retailers to ensure continued improvement in this area.
• The logistical challenges and costs of transporting fresh and nutritious foods to isolated northern communities are significant. Northern shipping is often weather dependant, and as a result, delays and food spoilage sometimes happen. Recognizing this, retailers take measures to minimize waste as much as possible, and store staff are empowered to ensure that any damaged or dated product should not be on the shelf.

Background

• CIRNAC is continuing to work closely with Indigenous and northern partners and other government departments to identify shared, northern-based solutions for improving food security.
• Nutrition North Canada has increasingly taken a food systems approach to promote food security and food sovereignty. The August 15th announcement in Inuvik of Nutrition North Canada's expanded programming is a significant example of this.
• The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund mark a fundamental shift by empowering communities to determine and action their own food security priorities.
• While Nutrition North Canada will not solve food security on its own, it is helping northern and isolated communities advance made-in-the-North solutions.
• A long-term strategy will require a whole-of-government approach that recognizes and addresses the key factors of income and employment.

Current status and next steps

• The $143.4 million investment from Budget 2021 includes an additional $36 million for the Harvesters Support Grant (HSG) and $60.9 million to launch a new Community Food Programs Fund (CFPF) under the grant to support a variety of community food-sharing activities.
• HSG and CFPF funding can be used to directly support local priorities or broader food security strategies such as the Inuit Nunangat Food Security Strategy.
• An additional $1.5 million over two years is also being provided for Nutrition North Canada's Food Security Research Grant to inform ongoing and locally driven food security solutions.
• Through an investment of $43 million over two years, increased subsidy rates that were put in place by the Government of Canada at the beginning of the pandemic will be maintained. This investment also extends the retail subsidy to local food producers in eligible communities—for eligible items that are sold or donated within the community—and to food banks and charitable organizations serving eligible communities. The funding will also support eligible communities in storing and distributing both country and market food within a community.
• On October 22, 2022, Harvest Manitoba became the first food bank to register with the program, and have entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Anishininew Okimawin (Island Lake Tribal Council) and Food Banks Canada. This partnership will bring food banking operations to approximately 15,000 residents in the Island Lake Region.
• Nutrition North Canada will continue to support and encourage partnerships between northern and isolated communities and major food banks and charities as well as the efforts of communities in strengthening food security. Partnerships between isolated communities and food banks and other charitable organizations mark an important step towards seeding food sovereignty and reducing food insecurity in the North.
• In addition, the Nutrition North Canada is working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and other federal partners (ISC, AAFC) to support a cost-benefit analysis to advance Inuit-led school food programming as a priority action under the Inuit Food Security Strategy.
• Nutrition North Canada is also partnering with the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) on a project to develop evidence-based guidelines for distinctions-based interventions to further reduce food insecurity among Indigenous people in isolated and northern communities in Canada. The project will look at both income based and food based interventions.

Key messages

• Since 2016, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC) has been delivering historic infrastructure investments leading to important progress in addressing housing gaps in the North.
• The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of addressing infrastructure needs and the unique challenges Canada's northern and Indigenous communities face in accessing safe, adequate and affordable housing.
• Budget 2022 is investing an additional $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada and CIRNAC to accelerate work in closing Indigenous housing gaps.
• Furthermore, the Government of Canada through Budget 2022 is also investing $150 million over two years starting in 2022-23 for the territorial governments to support affordable housing and infrastructure.
• In addition, through Budget 2022, the Government of Canada is also providing $34 million over seven years to four Métis groups in the Northwest Territories.
• Budget 2022 also proposes to invest $300 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to co-develop and launch an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.

Background

• Canada's northern, remote and isolated communities face unique housing and infrastructure needs given the challenges presented by geography, climate change, limited infrastructure, location, and historic underfunding. Investing in housing and community infrastructure, creates resilient northern communities, generates lasting employment, and results in "healthier, safer, and more prosperous northern communities in the long-term. Across the North, where more than half the population is Inuit (including Inuvialuit), First Nations, or Métis, there is chronic housing need (lack of affordability, inadequacy, unsuitability, unavailability) and lower rates of home ownership than in the southern provinces.
• The shortage of adequate housing in the North has hampered progress on many economic, social, and health issues in the region. For years, territorial Premiers, Indigenous partners, and other Northern stakeholders have stressed the need for increased federal funding and coordinated whole-of-government support to address significant northern housing challenges including increased construction costs and maintenance due to remoteness, a shorter construction season and climate change. These issues continue to be exacerbated as a result of the global pandemic.
• The Government of Canada recognizes that housing is a foundational element to support healthy families and communities, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through Budget 2022 investment and ongoing partnerships with Canada's territorial governments, the Government of Canada is empowering territorial partners to ensure that all Northerners (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) have access to sustainable and safe housing and support the health and welfare of Northerners using "made-in-the-North""" solutions.

Housing Budget 2022 Investments

• Since 2016, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been delivering distinctions-based housing investments that support self-determined approaches to Indigenous-led housing programs, leading to important progress in addressing housing gaps.
• The housing investments made by CIRNAC are in the spirit of self-determination, and it is the recipients of this funding who determines how it will be best allocated to support community housing and infrastructure needs.
• Through Budget 2022, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada and CIRNAC to accelerate work in closing Indigenous housing gaps:
  • $2.4 billion over five years to support First Nations housing on reserve;
  • $565 million over five years to support housing in First Nations Self-Governing and Modern Treaty Holders communities;
  • $845 million over seven years to support housing in Inuit communities; and
  • $190 million over seven years for housing in Métis communities.
• Budget 2022 funding also includes $150 million for territorial governments to respond to their critical housing and infrastructure needs. This funding is being allocated on a 40-40-20 basis as followed:
  • $60 million to the Government of Nunavut;
  • $60 million to the Government of the Northwest Territories; and
  • $30 million to the Yukon Government.

Of this funding, a minimum of 60 percent must be used for housing, and the remaining amount on housing related infrastructure. Territorial governments have indicated that most of their housing activities will be in support of social housing.

The Government of Canada recognizes that more will have to be done to fully address the housing crisis in Canada's territories. However, the provision of funds through this submission, as well as the funding provided through Budget 2021, will continue to demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment in responding to the housing situation in Canada's North, as well as demonstrate progress, more broadly, on commitments to work with partners to improve the well-being of Northerners.

Infrastructure Investments

• Budget 2021 announced historic investments for Indigenous communities to support critical infrastructure through the ISC-led Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, totalling $4.3 billion over 4 years:
  • Inuit communities received $517.8 million;
  • Métis received $240 million;
  • Self-Government and Modern Treaty partners received $520.6 million; and,
  • Northern First Nation and Métis communities received $18 million to address immediate infrastructure demands as prioritized by Indigenous partners.
• Budgets 2021 and 2022 represent the first dedicated investments for infrastructure and housing, respectively, for Self-Government and Modern Treaty First Nations who are not part of other distinctions-based housing strategies.
• Budget 2021 also committed $18 million for investments in northern communities. These investments support social outcomes and respond to high priority needs such as urgent infrastructure gaps for First Nation communities in the Northwest Territories with non-reserve lands, and to Métis communities not represented by a Métis national Indigenous organization and not subject to a modern treaty or self-governing agreement. Allocation of this funding is based on community need.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Investments

• Budget 2022 proposes to invest $300 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to co-develop and launch an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.
• Related to the U.R.N. Housing Strategy funding is that Budget 2022 proposed to provide $4 billion over five years, starting in 2022-23, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to launch a new Housing Accelerator Fund. This will be designed to be flexible to the needs and realities of cities and communities and could include support such as an annual per-door incentive for municipalities, or upfront funding for investments in municipal housing planning and delivery processes that will speed up housing development. Its focus will be on increasing supply, but government supports will be targeted to ensure a balanced supply that includes a needed increase to the supply of affordable housing. This new fund will target the creation of 100,000 net new housing units over the next five years. This initiative will include supports for Indigenous communities that control their supply of housing.
• Budget 2022 proposes to provide $1.5 billion over two years, starting in 2022-23, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to extend the Rapid Housing Initiative. This new funding is expected to create at least,4,500 new affordable housing units, with at least 25 per cent of funding going towards women-focused housing projects. All units support vulnerable populations, including Indigenous Peoples.
• The $1.5 billion funding for the third round of RHI will be divided into two streams: Projects Stream and Cities Stream. A total of $1 billion will be available under the Projects Stream via an applications-based process. Eligible applicants for this stream include provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies and organizations, and non-profit organizations.
• An application portal will be available through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) beginning on December 12.

Current status and next steps

• As part of the Budget 2022 commitment to provide $190 million over seven years for housing in Métis communities, is a $34 million commitment to support NWT Metis communities over 7 years:
  • $20 million to the Northwest Territories Métis Nation;
  • $7 million to the North Slave Métis Alliance;
  • $3.5 million to the Fort Simpson Métis Council;
  • $3.5 million to the Fort Providence Métis Council;
• To fill an identified gap, Budget 2021 also committed $18 million over 4 years support the needs of the Dehcho and Akaitcho First Nations communities as well as Northwest Territories Métis communities. As a result, $5 million is to be distributed this fiscal year (2022-23) to funding recipients.
• For the territories, Budget 2022 also made a commitment of $150 million to the territorial governments over two years starting fiscal year 2022-23. CIRNAC will be flowing this fiscal year a total of $75 million to the territorial governments (Yukon $15 million and the NWT $30 million, Nunavut $30 million). These funds were approved in spring 2022 and have been flowed to territorial partners via grant (Vote 10).

Key messages

• Canada and Canadians have made major investments in infrastructure to create a stronger, more prosperous nation and build communities that everyone can be proud to call home.
• Together with provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous partners, the federal government has a leading role to play in this nation-building work. That is why the Government of Canada is making historic investments in infrastructure from coast to coast to coast.
• Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. To date, the Plan has invested over $126 billion in over 84,000 projects, 95% of them completed or underway. All three territorial governments have signed agreements with the federal government.
• Using a whole-of-government approach, including the Government of Canada's Investing in Canada Plan, can move us towards closing infrastructure gaps between the north and the rest of Canada, will ensure Canada's supply chains are stronger, and that Canada's northern economy has the ability to thrive.

Background

• Northerners have continually emphasized the lack of adequate infrastructure and the significant challenges this poses to socio-economic growth, emergency management, the provision of health services, resource development, defence, security and the fundamental safety and well-being of northern people, and the sustainability of northern communities
• The North's harsh environment, short construction season, insufficient financial resources and capacity, and shifting environmental conditions due to climate change make it challenging to build and maintain infrastructure. Longer timelines, availability of materials, higher costs, and the importance of infrastructure investments to the socio-economic health of remote communities must all be considered.
• The federal government invested in nation-building infrastructure projects throughout the 20th century that benefited southern Canada, such as the Trans-Canada highway system, mine access roads, the national railroad system, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and major ports. While a similar approach was taken in the North from the 1940s through the 1970s, a federal investment gap over the past forty years has not kept up with the North's needs. Meeting the infrastructure needs of the North remains an integral component of nation-building efforts in the region but, despite multiple investments over the past few years, decades of underinvestment have left significant infrastructure gaps.
• Building international trade corridors: will support the fluidity of Canadian goods trade and supply chains by alleviating capacity constraints and bottlenecks along regional and inter-provincial trade corridors; strengthen modal interconnectivity and operability; and improve producers' access to markets, industrial centres and/or multimodal hubs and gateways.
• Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada is investing over $180 billion over 12 years in infrastructure projects across Canada. These investments are being made through 21 federal departments and agencies, including Infrastructure Canada, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada.
• Budget 2022 signaled the government's intention to accelerate the deadline for provinces to fully commit their remaining funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to priority projects to March 31, 2023. Any uncommitted funds after that date will be allocated to other priorities. However, the original deadline of March 31, 2025 was left unchanged for the territories, which have faced difficulties in accessing infrastructure funds due to fiscal capacity issues in matching funds.
• In addition, through Budget 2022, the Government of Canada is investing:
  • To help build more resilient and efficient supply chains, $603.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, including $450 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to support supply chain projects through the National Trade Corridors Fund, which will help ease the movement of goods across Canada's transportation networks, including in our Arctic and Northern regions;
  • $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2022-23, to accelerate work in closing Indigenous housing gaps; and,
  • $150 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, to support affordable housing and related infrastructure in the North. Of this amount, $60 million would be provided to the Government of Nunavut; $60 million to the Government of the Northwest Territories; and $30 million to the Government of Yukon. Of this amount, recipients must use a minimum of 60 per cent for housing, and the remaining amount on housing related infrastructure.
• Northern infrastructure investments need to be made "with" Northerners – not "for" Northerners. This includes Indigenous governments and organizations, who continue to seek partnership roles in infrastructure development and maintenance.

Current status and next steps

• Continued and deepened interdepartmental collaboration with all levels of government, northern partners, and Indigenous organizations, is required to enable projects that will address the broader issues affecting the North, such as healthy communities, socio-economic opportunities, climate change, and environmental protection and sustainability.

Key messages

• Our Government is committed to the protection of human health and safety and the environment, as well as the development of economic opportunities for Northerners and Indigenous partners.
• This is why our Government has renewed the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and made significant investments in establishing the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.
• We will continue to collaborate with communities, Indigenous partners, Territories and interested stakeholders to protect Canadians and the environment.

If pressed (Giant Mine cost increase)

• Our Government's investment in the remediation of the Giant Mine site is necessary to protect the local people and environment. It will also provide significant opportunities for social-economic benefits for Northern and Indigenous peoples.
• The Giant Mine Remediation Project reached a significant milestone in July 2021, when early remediation work began. This represents years of tremendous work by the project team, community partners, rights and stakeholders, technical experts, and members of the public.
• The new total project cost, estimated at $4.38 billion, includes: historical expenditures of $710 million; updated inflation data; and, legally binding measures of the regulatory process incorporating the interests of Indigenous, territorial, and community partners.

Background

• CIRNAC's Northern Contaminated Sites Program is responsible for the management of 162 contaminated sites in the North, representing an estimated environmental liability of $6 billion (Public Accounts of Canada March, 2022).
• The Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program addresses the eight largest and highest risk abandoned mines in Yukon and the Northwest Territories. This program includes funding for the Giant and Faro mine remediation projects, two of the largest contaminated sites in Canada. While these eight projects have largely been in care and maintenance and remediation planning for several years, a number of projects have achieved important milestones over the last few years.
• CIRNAC also accesses funding through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, a horizontal initiative led by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Treasury Board Canada, to address the remaining contaminated sites under its jurisdiction that are not eligible for funding under the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.
• The Northern Contaminated Sites Program will continue to promote new economic opportunities for Indigenous people and Northerners. The Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program will allow for longer-term remediation contracts, which provide greater certainty for affected communities and economic opportunities for Indigenous people and Northerners. CIRNAC continues to work closely with Public Services and Procurement Canada to refine procurement mechanisms and develop new, more flexible approaches to procurement to ensure Indigenous and northern communities can benefit from its contaminated sites projects.

Current status and next steps

• Our Government is investing $2.2 billion over 15 years in the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to remediate Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's eight largest abandoned mine projects.
• The Government of Canada has also renewed the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, with $1.16 billion in funding over five years, starting in 2020.
• Our Government was issued a five-year land use permit on August 7, 2020, and a 20-year water license on September 18, 2020. These regulatory approvals allowed the Government to begin preliminary remediation at the Giant mine site, including construction of the non-hazardous waste landfill, completed in June 2022. Remediation is expected to take up to 15 years to complete.
• Our Government continues to work in partnership with the Government of Yukon and Indigenous partners to advance the long-term remediation plan while managing immediate risks to both human health and the environment at Faro Mine. We are expecting to start implementation of the final remediation plan in 2026 and take up to 15 years to complete.

Key messages

• The government is working with Indigenous and northern communities to support climate change adaptation, and to reduce reliance on diesel in the North by shifting to renewable sources of energy.
• Budget 2022 further supports Indigenous leadership on climate action by providing $29.6 million to support the co-development of an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda and the phased implementation of distinctions-based climate strategies.
• Budget 2021 invested $40.4 million to support feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North like the Kivalliq Hydro-fibre Link.
• CIRNAC has worked closely with NRCan, ISC and ECCC to develop the Indigenous and Remote Communities Clean Energy Hub. The Hub is delivering $300 million to advance the Government's commitment that rural, remote and Indigenous communities have the opportunity to be powered by clean, reliable energy.
• CIRNAC also received $16.5 million over 3 years, starting in 2022-23, to renew the First Nation Adapt program's floodplain mapping stream. This funding will continue to support efforts for First Nations participation in regional watershed management approaches, generating flood data using climate projections, and developing effective adaptation strategies.

If pressed on flooding in the North

• CIRNAC's Climate Change Preparedness in the North program supports northern communities to understand and address extreme weather such as flooding, through the development of hazard maps, and designing and implementing flood protection measures. CIRNAC also works closely with the territorial governments and Natural Resources Canada to ensure a collaborative approach for at-risk communities.
• Tuktoyaktuk is a community experiencing significant coastal erosion and sea level rise which can lead to flooding. Since 2016–2017, the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program, working with the Government of Northwest Territories and the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, has contributed $3.6 million to support the relocation of houses away from the coastline to safer ground, and the design of coastal protection measures.

Background

CIRNAC climate change programming

• CIRNAC delivers 5 climate change adaptation and clean energy programs that aim to empower Indigenous Peoples and northerners to take a leadership role in climate action through participation in policy and programming. Projects are community-led, build capacity and skills, and yield economic opportunities for communities. They are:
  • Northern REACHE – Supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building and planning in Northern communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut. CIRNAC's Northern REACHE program is working closely with Natural Resources Canada and Indigenous Services Canada to implement the Indigenous and Remote Communities Clean Energy Hub.
  • Climate Change Preparedness in the North – Supports Indigenous and northern communities and governments in the North to help them adapt to climate change impacts. Funding supports projects such as vulnerability and risk assessment of climate change impacts, development of hazard maps and adaption plans and options, and implementation of non-structural and structural adaptation measures.
  • First Nation Adapt – Supports First Nation communities located below the 60th parallel to assess climate change impacts and develop adaptation options, related to community infrastructure and disaster risk reduction. Funding supports projects such as risk assessments, and the development, assessment and cost-benefit analysis of adaptation options. The floodplain mapping portion of the program supports climate impact assessments and adaptation planning efforts in communities at significant risk of flooding.
  • Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring – Supports Indigenous peoples in the design, implementation, or expansion of long-term community-based climate monitoring projects. The program supports community-led projects to monitor climate and the environmental effects of climate change on communities and traditional territories.
  • Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Climate Policy – Supports capacity building in National Indigenous Organizations, their regional affiliates, and other regional organizations to engage in climate policy discussions.

Indigenous Climate Leadership

• Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan and Canada's Emissions Reduction Plan committed to support Indigenous Climate Leadership which invests in the agency of Indigenous communities and rights-holders and supports self-determined Indigenous climate action on adaptation and mitigation. Budget 2022 committed $29.6 million over three years to advance this work.

Current status and next steps

• Through its climate change programs, CIRNAC continues to support Indigenous communities, including northern communities, in addressing climate change impacts and developing clean energy projects. Since 2016, CIRNAC's climate change programs have supported more than 800 projects/initiatives across Indigenous and northern communities with investments totaling more than $211 million.
• Over the next 2.5 years, CIRNAC – in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada – will work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to co-develop an agenda for climate action and framework for collaboration on climate policy and climate programming. Funding will also support Indigenous-led climate strategies.
• CIRNAC is working with territorial governments and Indigenous organizations to support hydroelectric and grid interconnection projects like the Iqaluit Hydro project and the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project.

Key messages

• Following an extensive Phase 2 proposal review, wherein Nunavummiut had significant opportunity to participate, the Review Board has recommended the project not proceed at this time.
• The Review Board concluded that the potential significant adverse effects of Phase 2 cannot be adequately prevented, mitigated or adaptively managed, including through revisions or additions to terms and conditions.
• Our Government supports strong, sustainable northern resource development that creates opportunity and respects the environment. We also trust in northern co-management frameworks; as has been evidenced in this case, the process allows for a broad range of interests to be considered.
• The responsible Ministers of Northern Affairs, Environment and Climate Change, Natural Resources, Transport, and Fisheries and Oceans have reviewed the Board's recommendations and on November 16, 2021 decided to accept the Board's recommendation that the Project should not proceed at this time.

Background

• The Mary River Mine is located on North Baffin Island, in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut. Initially approved in 2012, the Mary River Project has undergone a number of amendments, assessed through the reconsideration provisions of the Nunavut Agreement and the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (the Act).
• The original proposal (Phase 1) involved mining 18 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of iron ore, to be transported south via a new railway to a new Steensby Port for year-round shipping. Phase 1 has not been developed to-date, due to Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation's (Baffinland) inability to secure sufficient financing.
• In 2014, Baffinland received approval for its Early Revenue Phase proposal, involving mining of up to 4.2 mtpa of iron ore, to be transported by truck north on an existing tote road to the existing Milne Port for shipping during the open water season. Through approval of the Production Increase Proposal (2018), Extension Request to the Production Increase Proposal (2020), and Production Increase Proposal Renewal (2022), Baffinland was able to haul by truck and ship up to 6 mtpa of iron ore through Milne Inlet until December 31, 2022. The transportation and shipping limits will revert to 4.2 mtpa after this date, as approved through the Early Revenue Phase.
• Baffinland submitted its Phase 2 Development Proposal (Phase 2) in 2014, intended to sustain the economic viability of the mine, and support eventual development of Phase 1. Following numerous changes in project scope, the reconsideration process began in earnest in 2018. Phase 2 proposes to replace the existing mine-to-tidewater trucking route with a northern railway, as well as to increase ground and marine transport of iron ore through an expanded Milne Port to 12 mtpa (with operational flexibility).
• The Nunavut Impact Review Board (the Board) issued its Reconsideration Report and Recommendations (Report) on May 13, 2022, recommending that Phase 2 not be allowed to proceed at this time. The Board concluded that Phase 2 has the potential to result in significant adverse ecosystemic effects on marine mammals and fish, caribou and other terrestrial wildlife, along with vegetation and freshwater, and that these effects could lead to associated significant adverse socio-economic effects on Inuit harvesting, culture, land use and food security in Nunavut. The Board also concluded that Phase 2 poses the potential for transboundary effects on marine mammals and fish and the marine environment outside the Nunavut Settlement Area. Further, the Board concluded that these potential significant adverse effects cannot be adequately prevented, mitigated, or adaptively managed under proposed mitigation, adaptive management and monitoring programs and/or with revisions to the Terms and Conditions of Project Certificate No. 005.
• Responsible Ministers have 90 days to issue a decision, per subsection 112(6) of the Act. On July 11, 2022, the responsible Ministers extended the decision phase by a further 90 days, per subsection 112(8) of the Act, to support consultation with Inuit.

Current status and next steps

• A ministerial decision was made on November 16, 2022 which considered an analysis of the Board's Report and an assessment of the adequacy of Crown consultation.
• The Designated Inuit Organizations through the post report consultation process, indicated that they agree with the Board's recommendation.
• In order to produce, transport and ship more than 4.2 million tonnes of iron ore per year through Milne Inlet in 2023 or beyond, Baffinland will need to submit another application for consideration.
• The Government of Canada has encouraged ongoing engagement between Baffinland and Inuit, including the Designated Inuit Organizations, to address the concerns and needs of affected parties, and support development of a viable path forward in the best interests of all.

Key messages

• The government of Canada is working with territorial and Northern Indigenous leaders to advance a science-based approach to oil and gas in Canada's Arctic waters.
• Budget 2022 announced a one-time payment of $25.8 million to the Government of Yukon and Government of the Northwest Territories to fulfill Canada's commitment under the 1993 Canada-Yukon Oil and Gas Accord.
• $2.5 million was set aside in Budget 2022 to support the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's participation in the implementation of a new Western Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Accord.

Background

• In December 2016, Canada announced all Canadian Arctic waters as indefinitely off limits to future offshore Arctic oil and gas licencing, to be reviewed every 5 years through a climate and marine science-based life-cycle assessment. Northerners publically objected to the unilateral decision by Canada. Following the announcement, CIRNAC officials, working with Natural Resources Canada officials, consulted territorial governments, Inuit organizations, petroleum companies and NGOs on their interests in the Arctic offshore.
• In 2018, based on the interests of Northerners and industry, Canada announced "Next Steps for Future Arctic Oil and Gas Development" and three key initiatives. First, freezing the terms of existing oil and gas licences in Canada's Arctic waters for the duration of the moratorium, second co-developing with Northerners a five-year science-based approach to oil and gas development in the Arctic offshore, and third negotiating an Arctic offshore oil and gas co-management agreement with the governments of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.
• In 2019, the Governor in Council issued an "Order Prohibiting Certain Activities in Canada's Arctic Offshore." The term of the Order was set to the term of the five-year science-based assessment, and would be renewed so long as the moratorium is maintained. The Order was renewed for an additional one-year period to allow Canada and its partners to finalize the five-year assessment and to engage Inuit coastal communities on the findings of the assessment. The Order protects the 11 active exploration licenses (ELs) in the Beaufort Sea.
• Budget 2022 proposed a one-time payment of $25.8 million to the governments of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories to fulfill Canada's commitment under the 1993 Canada-Yukon Oil and Gas Accord, and $2.5 million to support the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's participation in the implementation of a Western Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Accord.

Current status and next steps

Key messages

• Devolution is a long-standing federal policy objective which seeks to ensure greater local control and accountability for decisions, and helps to facilitate Crown reconciliation with northern Indigenous peoples.
• The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. continue to meaningfully negotiate towards the final Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement targeted for completion in 2022.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to working with the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and other stakeholders, to support Nunavummiut to make decisions over land and resources that affect their social, economic and political well-being.

Background

• Nunavut remains the last territory without control of its own lands and resources. Completing devolution would see the authorities for the Government of Nunavut at par with provinces and territories for the administration of their own lands and resources.
• Devolution enables the federal government to focus on other core federal responsibilities, such as intergovernmental relations, sovereignty and defence, land claims implementation, climate change and economic development.
• Devolution is reconciliation in action as it is a key step for the self-determination of Nunavummiut, closing the last steps for a fully federated Canada. It follows through on the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1993, and the creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999. As parties to the negotiation, the Inuit of Nunavut are represented by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the public Government of Nunavut.
• Devolution creates stronger public governments that are more responsive to local issues and priorities while ensuring that social, economic and other benefits of resource development in the region are shared with Nunavummiut.
• Nunavut devolution will require legislative amendments so that the authorities and self-determination of lands and resources fall under the purview of the Government of Nunavut.
• Section 35 consultations with Indigenous partners with established Aboriginal and/or treaty rights within Nunavut continue to inform this process.

Current status and next steps

• Since May 2022, the draft Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement notes agreement on all tripartite negotiation issues, including related sub-agreements for oil and gas straddling the onshore and offshore and a post-devolution bilateral agreement between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
• Since January 2022, section 35 consultations have been underway with thirteen Indigenous Groups with rights in the territory. Proposed accommodations have been incorporated to the draft agreement and remaining consultations are expected to conclude by the end of 2022.
• Following the completion of section 35 consultations, and a confirmation by the Department of Justice that a legal assessment of risk and that duty to consult obligations have been met, the Chief Negotiators for the respective Parties will initial the final Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement, and proceed with their respective processes for seeking signing authorities. Signature is anticipated for 2022-2023.
• After the final Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement is signed, the Parties will enter into a three-year implementation phase, targeted to begin on April 1, 2023 with an effective transfer date of April 1, 2026. The implementation phase includes finalizing the transfer of staff and resources and drafting legislation to make the transfer of responsibilities to the Government of Nunavut come into effect by transfer date.
• As articulated in Minister Vandal' mandate letters of 2019 and 2021, the Government of Canada committed to conclude a devolution agreement, meet reconciliation policy priorities, and take steps to proceed with the transfer of lands and resources to the Government of Nunavut.

Key messages

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was launched in 2019 with territorial, Indigenous and provincial partners, and is now focused on implementation, including co-development of governance mechanisms.
• We continue to work with Framework partners to ensure that Northerners' needs are met. The 2022 Leadership Committee meeting – held on September 29th in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories – served as a significant opportunity for the Minister of Northern Affairs to hear directly from partners on their top priorities. The meeting also provided an occasion to update partners on key issues of relevance, including critical minerals and Arctic and northern security and defence.
• The priorities noted by partners at the 2022 meeting were mental health and addictions supports, including community-based treatments; housing and community infrastructure; economic development (including clean energy economic measures, remediation, and economic reconciliation); climate change; education and training; measures to address the high cost of living; northern security and defence; and Indigenous cross-border mobility.
• Since the release of the Framework, the Government of Canada has made significant investments, including in Budget 2022, to support northern economies and move forward on social and political self-determination. These investments reflect both the co-developed Framework goals and the direct advocacy of partners.

Background

• In 2016, the Government committed to co-developing a new Arctic Policy Framework with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and Statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy and guide federal priorities in the North until 2030 and beyond.
• Released in 2019, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was co-developed with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis, the territorial governments of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, as well as the provincial governments of Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Development of the International and Defence chapters was led by Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence, respectively.
• The co-development model of policy development and implementation involves a collaborative process which explicitly incorporates the priorities and perspectives of the federal government and partners.
• Implementation with partners, beginning in 2020, has focused on co-developing national and regional governance approaches.
• Targeted federal investments in Budgets 2019, 2021 and 2022 are contributions toward the achievement of Framework goals and objectives. Budget 2022, for example, included over $267 million in targeted investments which support Framework implementation and complement existing efforts to strengthen Arctic and northern communities, including the following funding to CIRNAC:
  • $150 million to support affordable housing and related infrastructure in the northern territories.
  • $32.2 million supporting the Atlin Hydro Expansion project to provide clean electricity to the Yukon.
  • $14.5 million ($2.5 million ongoing) to support the completion and operations of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.
  • $25.8 million to the Government of Yukon and Government of Northwest Territories towards the 1993 Accord, and $2.5 million to Inuvialuit Regional Corporation to implement the new Western Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Accord.
  • $2 million towards a Collaborative Process Protocol Agreement respecting the historical impacts of the operation of Giant Mine on the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
  • $40 million to support northern regulatory processes as part of the Critical Minerals Strategy.
  • $29.6 million to support the co-development of an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda.
• On August 15, 2022, the Minister of Northern Affairs announced an investment of $143.4 million over two years from Budget 2021 to expand Nutrition North Canada's ability to help eligible northern and isolated communities address local food security priorities. The investment includes an additional $36 million for the Harvesters Support Grant and $60.9 million to launch a new Community Food Programs Fund under the Grant to support food-sharing activities. An additional $1.5 million over two years is also being provided for Nutrition North Canada's Food Security Research Grant to inform ongoing and locally driven food security solutions.

Current status and next steps

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework Secretariat within CIRNAC coordinates annual political-level Leadership Committee meetings which both provide a forum for providing updates to all partners on implementation, and serve as a venue for partners to raise their individual priorities. CIRNAC also convenes regular all-partners' meetings at the officials' level, and meets with Framework partners bi-laterall.
• The Leadership Committee meeting held in Yellowknife on September 29, 2022 (an in-person/virtual hybrid approach was utilized) was chaired by the Minister of Northern Affairs and co-hosted by the Premier of Northwest Territories. Reflecting the whole-of-government nature of the Framework, the meeting included presentations by Natural Resources Canada on critical minerals and by the National Defence on northern security and defence.
• Securing resources which are specifically allocated for Framework implementation remains, for partners, a foremost concern, as clearly articulated at the 2022 Leadership Committee meeting. Partners are seeking ongoing collaborative work to finalize the governance approaches which will be utilized to determine regional priorities for new investments and to contribute to co-implementation.
• For example, Budget 2021 funding to support Nutrition North Canada programming sunsets next fiscal year. Indigenous partners depend on these programs and are actively expressing appreciation, and the need for sustained investment. While the feedback generated from NNC's announced Budget 2021 expansions was overwhelmingly positive, the limited investment timeframe is producing risks to the significant progress made towards northern food security, and to recently strengthened co-development relationships with Indigenous partners.
• In the fall 2022, $20M for 2022-2023 was provided to address pressures related to the retail subsidy triggered by the Government's pandemic response while maintaining current subsidy rates.
• Sustained and predictable investment in this important work will generate greater credibility in the Government of Canada's ability to work with Indigenous partners on strengthening northern food security. Recent progress aligns directly with the goals of the Framework and with commitments undertaken in the Minister of Northern Affairs' mandate letter.
• Without significant support, the gap will widen between northern communities and their southern counterparts as efforts to seed food sovereignty, which require longer timelines compared to efforts outside of remote communities, will come to a halt. This threatens the sustainability of evolving local food security efforts, decreases resiliency in the face of inflation and economic and climate shocks, and weakens relationships with Indigenous partners.
• Moving forward, Framework partners' requests for federal investments are expected to continue to be channelled through the Framework Leadership Committee on an annual and as-needed basis.
• While some regional governance mechanisms for Framework implementation have been established (Northwest Territories Council of Leaders, bi-lateral arrangements with Inuit partners through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee), efforts to establish regional governance processes with other Framework partners will continue over the coming year.

Reprofiles

Reprofiles (CIR items only)

Reprofiles (NA items)

Organization Summary (dollars)

Explanation of Requirements (dollars)

Listing of Transfer Payments (dollars)

Listing of Statutory Authorities (dollars)

Items for inclusion in the Proposed Schedule 1 to the Appropriation Bill
(for the financial year ending March 31, 2023)

Statutory Forecasts - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (dollars)

Expenditures by Purpose - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (dollars)

Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object

This table shows the forecast of total expenditures by Standard Object, which includes the types of goods or services to be acquired, or the transfer payments to be made and the funds to be credited to the vote.

Definitions of standard objects available at: 7. Object codes for 2022 to 2023

If pressed on increases/decreases

• Funding increases come primarily from the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program and a one-year extension for the Northern Adult Basic Education Program.
• The enhanced Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program will support Indigenous entrepreneurship and helps build resilience in Indigenous communities through economic development.
• The one-year extension of the Northern Adult Basic Education Program will support adult basic education services offered by three territorial accredited post-secondary education institutions: Nunavut Arctic College, Aurora College, and Yukon University.

Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP)

• Budget 2022 provided $15 million over five years, beginning in 2022-2023, to CanNor to enhance the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program or NIEOP.
• NIEOP project-based and core funding supports Indigenous entrepreneurship and helps build resilience in Indigenous communities through economic development.
• This program enhancement includes an economic research stream that helps identify economic development opportunities for territorial Indigenous community-owned development corporations, private Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.

Northern Adult Basic Education Program (NABEP)

• As part of Budget 2022, the Northern Adult Basic Education Program (NABEP) received funding of $4.5M for one year to allow CanNor to support existing adult basic education services offered by the territorial colleges and university.
• NABEP provides a suite of learning opportunities to working-age Northerners who lack the basic skills required to participate in the labour market.
• NABEP is delivered by three institutions; Aurora College, Nunavut Arctic College and Yukon University. It provides skills training activities and services, particularly in remote communities, by assisting working-age Northerners (aged 20–64) who do not have a secondary school diploma in getting the skills they need to join the workforce and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.

Key Statistics – CanNor

• Between 2019-20 and 2021-22, CanNor's planned spending increased from $50.3M to $79.5M, with planned staff increasing from 74 to 120.
• During the same period, CanNor's actual spending increased from $67.1M to $88.4M with actual staff increasing from 99 to 109.

COVID-19 Investments

• Through its pandemic-specific relief programs, CanNor supported over 560 territorial SMEs with approximately $31.2M, protecting 1,685 jobs across the territories that may otherwise have been lost.
• Budget 2021 introduced special time-limited programs to bridge relief through the pandemic and spur recovery and growth. This included the Jobs & Growth Fund, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, and the Tourism Relief Fund.
• CanNor has already approved $15.3M through these programs, helping put the territories on a path toward a resilient recovery.
• CanNor continues to collaborate closely with territorial governments and other stakeholders in the design and provision of relief and recovery funding.

Northern Innovation Ecosystem

• The territories have a nascent innovation ecosystem and knowledge economy that have been growing in recent years.
• Regional 'makerspaces' are offering entrepreneurs, innovators, and students access to cutting-edge equipment, educational workshops, collaborative co-working environments, business support services, and education in technology.
• The territories' educational institutions are increasing the range of educational opportunities they offer, with Yukon College having transformed to Yukon University, and Aurora College transitioning to a polytechnic university. Such institutions support research, prototype development, and pilot testing of innovation and clean technology in the North.
• Innovative investments in mining technologies and renewable energy are opening new opportunities for Northerners.

CanNor Support for Nunavut Fisheries

• Our Government has helped to spur the growth in Nunavut's fisheries and continues to support this sector.
• Over the past five years, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency has approved $20.8M for 27 projects in the Nunavut Fisheries sector to provide skills training, infrastructure development for inshore fisheries, research and offshore marketing.
• The Agency's contributions have helped develop a variety of fish stocks including arctic char, redfish, shrimp, turbot, whitefish, and seal.
• Nearly 408 jobs were supported in 14 Nunavut communities, including in Clyde River, Pond Inlet, and Qikiqtarjuaq.

Agriculture and Agri-Food systems in the North

• CanNor's programming, which includes a $15M investment through the Northern Isolated Community Initiative (NICI), helps to create local jobs and local food production, processing, and distribution capacities across the territories.
• In addition to supporting new production in the agriculture and agri-foods sector, funding through NICI also helps address food insecurity across the territories, where factors like high costs of living and supply chain challenges may impact peoples' ability to buy food.

Indigenous Participation in the Northern Mining Sector

• Mining is the largest private sector employer of Indigenous peoples in the North.
• Indigenous employees comprise 7.4 percent of total employment in the sector. Representation is at 3.9 percent across all sectors.
• Inuit make up 0.6 percent of the national mining workforce compared to 0.1 percent in all other industries.
• More than 97 percent of Nunavut residents who work in the mineral industry are Indigenous. Similarly in NWT, of those residents working in the mineral industry, a majority are Indigenous.
• There are approximately 80 active benefit agreements between Indigenous groups and mining companies.
• The Det'on Cho Nahanni Construction Corporation, owned by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, are one of the first Indigenous groups in Canada to be responsible for mineral extraction on their traditional territory at the Nechalacho Rare Earth Demonstration Project in NWT.
• CanNor invested $1.26M into Nechalacho project in the NWT, funding an innovative ore-sorting technology that makes the process much greener. This is Canada's first producing rare earths mine.
• In the Yukon, CanNor provided $2.1M to the Kluane First Nation development corporation to purchase heavy machinery to participate in construction, mining and clean energy projects.

CanNor support for Indigenous economic development and reconciliation in the Territories

• Our Government is committed to working with our Indigenous partners to advance economic reconciliation in the territories.
• Budget 2022 also announced an additional $15M over 5 years to CanNor for Indigenous economic development in the territories. With the re-introduction of long-term core funding for local and regional economic development capacity, this new funding contributes to supporting Indigenous economic self-determination and advancing reconciliation.
• In 2022-23, CanNor advanced Indigenous economic development and reconciliation by funding projects that support and increase the participation of northern Indigenous communities and businesses in economic opportunities across the territories.
• In the past 3 years, CanNor has invested over $97M in more than 250 Indigenous led projects, representing nearly 65% of CanNor's regular programming budget.
• Finally, CanNor has also begun implementing the Inuit Nunangat Policy that is intended to promote Inuit prosperity and well-being across the four Inuit regions. As part of this work, CanNor is coordinating with other regional development agencies who cover Nunavik (Northern Québec) and Nunatsiavut (Labrador) on how we can work together to further support prosperity across Canada's four Inuit regions.

Cost of Living in the North

• Our Government is committed to supporting northerners as they face increases in the cost of doing business.
• Since January 2022, CanNor has announced over $30M in new territorial projects that support Indigenous businesses, help build and revitalize northern community infrastructure and outdoor spaces, promote clean energy and address food security.
• CanNor's programming, which includes a $15M investment through the Northern Isolated Community Initiative (NICI), helps counter cost increases by creating local jobs and local food production, processing, and distribution capacities across the territories.

Tourism in the North

• Tourism is key to territorial economic diversification and a significant source of business income and local jobs.
• After a very difficult two years, tourism across the territories is showing signs of recovery as restrictions ease and visits to the North increase.
• The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency continues to invest in the industry and its recovery providing $6M through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), to stimulate growth and maintain operations.

Organization Summary (dollars)

Explanation of Requirements (dollars)

Listing of Transfer Payments (dollars)

Items for inclusion in the Proposed Schedule 1 to the Appropriation Bill
(for the financial year ending March 31, 2023)

Statutory Forecasts - Department of Western Economic Diversification (dollars)

Expenditures by Purpose - Department of Western Economic Diversification (dollars)

Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object

This table shows the forecast of total expenditures by Standard Object, which includes the types of goods or services to be acquired, or the transfer payments to be made and the funds to be credited to the vote.

Definitions of standard objects available at: 7. Object codes for 2022 to 2023

Supplementary Estimates appropriations to continue delivering COVID-19 recovery programs announced in Budget 2021

• Supplementary Estimates B provides $73.8 million for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), to continue delivering COVID-19 recovery programs announced in Budget 2021.
• These programs are helping businesses and communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba bounce back from the economic impact of the pandemic and thrive.
• These programs include:
  • the Tourism Relief Fund;
  • the Jobs and Growth Fund;
  • the Canada Community Revitalization Fund;
  • the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative; and,
  • the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative.

Supplementary Estimates B Transfer from the National Trade Corridors Fund

• Supplementary Estimates B provides a transfer of $30.2 million from Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund to continue to support the Indigenous and community-based ownership group of Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) during this fiscal year.
• This funding will ensure the continuity and stability of essential rail services to Indigenous and Northern communities in Manitoba.

Other Initiatives

• Supplementary Estimates B provides appropriations for several other initiatives. These programs include:
  • Reinvestment of receipts from repayable contributions;
  • the Combined Canada Coal Transition Initiative Funds;
    • the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI);
    • the Canada Coal Transition Initiative Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF);
  • the Regional Air Transportation Initiative;
  • the Black Entrepreneurship Program;
  • the RCMP Heritage Centre; and,
  • the National Quantum Strategy.
• These initiatives support inclusive economic growth and a shift to a green economy within the Prairie region.

Background

National Trade Corridors Fund

• The National Trade Corridors Fund is delivered by Transport Canada with a mandate to help fund infrastructure projects in Canada.
• Relevant projects improve and increase the transportation system, including helping to withstand the effects of climate change and better adapt to new technologies and innovation, as well as address the transportation needs of the Arctic and northern communities.

Other Initiatives

Background

• The RRRF helped thousands of small and medium-sized businesses that could not qualify for other government supports to pay their bills and their employees during the pandemic.
• In the Prairie provinces, $450 million in RRRF funding went to over 6,800 firms.
• Through the RRRF, the number of rural, Indigenous-owned and woman-owned businesses that received RRRF supports were all significantly higher than their respective representations within the business population.
• The RRRF officially ended on March 31, 2022. All RRRF contributions are required to be fully repaid by December 31, 2025.
• RDAs are committed to ensuring that the programs and services delivered are effectively supporting Canadians. RDAs are applying lessons learned from their experiences, the findings from the audit and the committee report, to improve how they help businesses, organizations and communities to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

Manitoba Example

• In a historic partnership between the governments of Canada and Manitoba this past August, the governments of Canada and Manitoba have committed up to $147.6 million to support the Arctic Gateway Group's Hudson Bay Railway.
• The rail line is both in the national and regional interest.
• It is essential for supply chains, local food security, regional connectivity and its unique community-ownership model represents ongoing steps toward economic reconciliation in Canada.

Saskatchewan Example

• With the aim of boosting local economies and helping people gather safely, our government announced over $10 million for over 40 Saskatchewan recreation and community revitalization initiatives.
• This funding supports new and improved recreational amenities like playgrounds, museums, community centres and unique outdoor experiences that will provide visitors and residents with opportunities to connect and explore Saskatchewan.
• For example:
  • $750,000 to revitalize the downtown business core in Biggar, SK (announced October 14/22).
  • $743,000 toward creating an accessible outdoor aquatic center in Canora, SK (announced June 8/22).

Alberta Example

• In April of this year, our government announced $779,000 to Edmonton Unlimited to support development of Capital City Pilots.
• Capital City Pilots is a novel collaboration with the City of Edmonton to develop, promote and market a procurement model where small- and medium-sized businesses can test their innovative technologies using City of Edmonton owned assets.

Example in and around Calgary

Key messages

Due to a significant reduction in operations at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station during the pandemic, the opportunity to reprofile $3M in Vote 1 from 2021-22 to 2022-23 became available in order to achieve two specific policy objectives:

• To fully implement the Chief Financial Officer Model formally adopted by the Government of Canada with the coming into force of the Treasury Board Policy Framework for Financial Management – this framework broadly sets out the distinct yet interrelated roles of those responsible for financial management in the department; and
• To mitigate occupational health and safety risks and purchase replacement research support vehicles that are safe and reliable, as well as to modernize housing facilities.

Background

Current status

• Polar Knowledge Canada has been advancing (in advance of Supplementary Estimates B being approved) the procurement of goods/services to utilize the funds provided through the 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates B.

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.

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

Biographical information

Gary was born and raised in Meadow Lake in the Desnethé – Missinippi – Churchill River district. He has lived, worked, played, volunteered, and served there his entire life. He graduated from Carpenter High School in 1983 and went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan and Briercrest Bible College. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and was a partner in the accounting firm Pliska Vidal & Co.

Gary was elected Mayor of the City of Meadow Lake in September of 2011 where he served his community until his resignation in March of 2019. He was elected ViceChair of the Saskatchewan City Mayors Caucus from 2016-2018. He was appointed to the SaskWater Board of Directors in 2008 where he served nearly a decade until 2017. During that time, he held various roles including Chair of the Government and Corporate Responsibility Committee, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee and finally, Chair of the Board from 2015-2017.

Over the years, Gary 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).

Bob Zimmer, Prince George – Peace River – Northern Rockies, BC

Biographical information

Bob was born in Dawson Creek, BC and raised in Fort St. John, BC. Bob began his career working for his father's family carpentry business where he learned the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work. Through these fundamentals, Bob obtained his Red Seal Journeyman Carpentry Certification and went on to own his own construction business.

He received an undergraduate degree from Trinity Western University in human kinetics and history/political science. Bob also obtained a bachelor's of education degree from the University of British Columbia. He worked his way through University as the head coach for Langley's TWU varsity rugby team. After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Bob moved back to St. John where he taught for seven years and continued to work in construction building several homes.

Bob was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River in 2011 and then re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River – Northern Rockies in 2015 and again in 2019.

Bob serves as the Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus and was Shadow for Minister for Northern Affairs and Northern Economic Development Agency from November 2019 to September 2020.

Since coming into office, Bob has sat on several committees including the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Standing Committee for Natural Resources, Standing Committee for Veterans Affairs, and the Standing Committee for Procedure and House Affairs. He has also served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Critic for Asia-Pacific Gateway, Chair of the BC/Yukon Conservative Caucus, and Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast.

Bob is a long-time member of the Fort St. John Sunrise Rotary Club, volunteers for many local events and organizations, and well as volunteers and attends his local church with his wife Val and their four children Kristian, David, Tim, and Bobbie

Eric Melillo, Kenora, ON

Biographical information

Eric Melillo is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Kenora. He was elected in the 2019 and 2021 general elections.

Prior to entering politics, he worked as an Associate within a business consulting firm, and as a Policy Research Analyst for a non-partisan think tank. Eric also served as a political staffer while he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Lakehead University.

Since being elected to Parliament, Eric has been working to deliver positive changes to northwestern Ontario. By standing up to support critical infrastructure projects, meaningful supports for Indigenous communities, and creating better economic opportunities for all. Eric has been a strong representative for the people of the Kenora riding.

Eric was born and raised in Kenora, where he lives with his wife Danaka and their dog Oakley.

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.