2023 May 12
When we all sit down and work together, we deliver the best outcomes for people. Today, we focused on priorities like building more housing and improving health care – especially in rural and remote communities. Together, we will continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of Inuit, support reconciliation, and strengthen the Inuit-Crown relationship for now and for generations to come
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Since the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017, the Government of Canada and Inuit leaders have continued to meet annually and work together through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) to advance our shared priorities, strengthen the Inuit-Crown partnership, and create a more prosperous Inuit Nunangat.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, federal Cabinet ministers, and the elected Inuit leadership from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik, and the Nunatsiavut Government gathered for a meeting of the ICPC in Nain, Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador).
The Committee endorsed its evaluation report, which looks at the first five years of implementation of the ICPC, including its successes and challenges. ICPC serves to support collaborative and transformative action on issues affecting Inuit, and to advance the Inuit-Crown relationship. The report recommends developing options for making the ICPC a permanent mechanism and increasing staffing and management capacity to deliver on its work.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister, President Obed, and ICPC members made progress on a range of priorities, including health and wellness, economic development, Inuktut revitalization, sovereignty, defence, and security. Leaders also added homelessness as a new priority area.
Today’s discussions represent an important step toward supporting Inuit self-determination and advancing the shared goal of creating a more prosperous Inuit Nunangat through meaningful collaboration. The Government of Canada will continue to work with Inuit leadership through the ICPC to build a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship and advance reconciliation based on affirmation of rights, respect, and partnership.