Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee leaders working to make progress on shared priorities including housing and food security

OTTAWA, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed and Inuit leaders, were pleased to gather on November 29 for the sixth meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC).

Together, they continued meaningful and productive discussions to advance a shared vision of a Canada where all people can participate fully in this country's prosperity.

The ICPC is bringing transformational change in the relationship between Inuit and the Crown. It is changing how the federal government and Inuit set priorities, how policies and programs are designed, and how the joint efforts of Inuit and the Crown are evaluated.

The ICPC meeting focused on progress on the shared priorities identified in the Inuit Nunangat Declaration. They endorsed a new draft Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, outlining an Inuit-specific approach to addressing long-standing housing needs. Leaders agreed to proceed with a bilateral mechanism between the Government of Canada and Inuit leaders to provide meaningful input into addressing food insecurity among Inuit in Inuit Nunangat. They also explored options to identify how the Government of Canada can best support Inuit in reaching their educational goals; and discussed the ongoing co-development of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.

By taking action on long-standing challenges such as these, they are all giving life to reconciliation and a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship.

Attending the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee meeting were:

President Natan Obed, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami   President Aluki Kotierk, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated   President Johannes Lampe, Nunatsiavut Government   President and CEO Duane Ningaqsiq Smith, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation   President Charlie Watt, Makivik Corporation   Observers: President Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Canada   President Rebecca Kudloo, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada

The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations   The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade   The Hon. Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services   The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change   The Hon. Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

Quotes

"Today at the sixth meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) we have continued our important work to jointly support a strong, vibrant Inuit Nunangat led by Inuit. By working together to set priorities and create opportunities for Inuit, we are giving life to reconciliation and a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"I was pleased to participate in discussions around important issues for Inuit in Inuit Nunangat at my first meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC). We are committed to moving forward with our Inuit partners to achieve a shared prosperity that makes reconciliation a reality."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C. Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

"When we started this process two years ago, I approached it with the expectation that the government of Canada could work with Inuit leaders to create a country where Inuit rights were valued and valuable. We continue to move forward on achieving this for Inuit and all Canadians."

Natan Obed
President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Quick Facts

• On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced the creation of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee.
• The Inuit Nunangat Declaration was signed by ministers of the Government of Canada and the leadership of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivik Corporation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as partners in the creation of prosperity for Inuit which benefits all Canadians.

Associated Links

Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership

https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017/02/09/inuit-nunangat-declaration-inuit-crown-partnership

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

media may contact: Vincent Hughes, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, [email protected], 613-943-7111; Matthew Dillon-Leitch, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Erin Brandt Filliter, Director of Communications, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, 613-238-8181 ext. 272; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]

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