Lori Idlout
Nunavut, Nunavut · Liberal · Canada
“Ullukkut , Uqaqtittiji . June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate the cultures, languages, histories and contributions of first nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.”
“Uqaqtittiji , with June being National Indigenous History Month, I remind all Canadians to celebrate the stories, culture, strengths and brilliance of indigenous peoples across Canada.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I think that one thing we all agree on is that the Conservatives are really good at spreading misinformation and disinformation. They have Canadians believing that the bill, if introduced the way it is, would make it possible for someone to be charged just for reading scripture or sharing their faith.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I am glad that the hon. member mentioned the importance of reinstating the Attorney General's consent before charges proceed. I wonder if he could explain why that oversight is so important, especially given that we are being told, during these debates, about Conservatives doing this and Liberals doing that.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I would like to thank the minister for her excellent presentation and for explaining very clearly why this bill is so important. I wonder if she could share with us what this means for the people who will be impacted by this legislation and why it is so important for them to be able to enact their own legislation.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I was raised in a system designed to eradicate my identity as an Inuk. While I have had my struggles, as many Inuit and indigenous peoples have, we continue to show our strength and practise our traditions. We still speak our indigenous languages, use our practices and celebrate our successes.”
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“It is because the Liberal government is ignoring the rights and title of indigenous people in resource extraction and economic development in the name of nation building, specifically through Bill C-5 . Modern treaties are a constitutionally entrenched commitment between the Crown and indigenous partners to build true nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationships. Establishing the commissioner would bring Canada in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, honouring commitments and advancing reconciliation with indigenous peoples. An independent commissioner with audit and reporting powers could hold government departments to account and overcome long-standing inertia in treaty implementation.”
“Of these 27 modern treaties, six include only a comprehensive land claim settlement agreement, one includes only self-government provisions and is unrelated to any land claim, and 20 address both comprehensive land claims and self-government in some way. The first modern treaty was signed in 1975, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. The Nunavut Agreement was signed in 1993. I had the pleasure of being there when it was signed. The Whitecap Dakota Nation in 2023 is the latest. Accountability would be seen if this bill is implemented by ensuring that the federal government meet its treaty obligations. We need to be reminded of the context of why this bill is particularly important.”
“They have sought the independent oversight and accountability mechanisms of the federal government on modern treaty implementation. There are some reasons we support this bill. First, it is a safeguard. Second, it would help ensure accountability and would put Canada in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous peoples have been partners in the creation of this bill, and it would advance reconciliation and self-determination. I think helping to realize the full potential of modern treaties is an important foundation of this bill. Just to briefly explain what I mean by it being a safeguard for indigenous modern treaty partners, it would help implement specific modern treaty obligations. Canada is currently implementing 27 modern treaties.”
“Uqaqtittiji , Bill C-10 is a reproduction of Bill C-77 , which was originally tabled in the last Parliament. As we did at that time, we support this bill in its current form, as it is a reproduction. I would like to thank, first of all, Aluki Kotierk, who was the former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. She worked hard to ensure this bill would be introduced to help make sure that modern treaty obligations are being implemented. I also thank the Liberals for putting it in the calendar so we can inch it forward toward getting it to committee to make any amendments to help make sure the issues posed during debate are addressed. Bill C-10 has been in the works for more than 20 years. Indigenous modern treaty partners have been working toward this.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I wonder if the member can share with us how the Conservatives were protecting the rights of indigenous peoples when they worked with the Liberals to help expedite the passing of Bill C-5 .”
“Uqaqtittiji , this summer a cargo ship went aground in the Franklin Strait, a rare occurrence. With climate change, the Northwest Passage has become more accessible. Nunavut relies heavily on shipped diesel, and the risk of damaging the pristine waters is increasing. Mapping the sea floor would ensure more predictable navigation. Will the minister commit to funding Arctic bathymetry as a multi-use project to keep Canada's sovereignty over the Arctic?”
“Uqaqtittiji , I am just as disgusted with the Liberal parliamentary secretary and agree about the hypocrisy of the Liberals' so-called mandate for reconciliation, which we know is not sincere. I wonder if the member agrees that because we have an important role in the Auditor General, which does make sure that there are audits going on with government operations, maybe we need the role of the commissioner to be able to call out such hypocrisy in this House.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I wonder what the member has to say to the over 130 indigenous groups that helped co-develop this bill in its original form, Bill C-77 , of which Bill C-10 is a carbon copy. What does she say to them about the hard work they did to ensure that Bill C-10 could reach the stage that it is at? Indigenous groups have been asking for the role of the commissioner to be created so they can see legal obligations finally implemented. As she correctly said in her statement, there is not enough implementation of legal treaties with first nations, and there needs to be a commissioner position to ensure that these obligations are being met.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I would like to ask the member about how important it is that this issue be a non-partisan issue, especially given that organizations like the Land Claims Agreements Coalition have been working hard for 20 years to make sure this bill is introduced, because it would, for example, honour UNDRIP and implement a portion of UNDRIP for indigenous peoples. Taking a non-partisan approach to creating accountability will hold the government to account, no matter who the government is. That is why creating this commissioner position is important, and we should avoid taking partisan potshots at each other.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I first met the member when I was in law school, and I have always admired his work and his reflections on indigenous issues as well. I want to highlight, though, that the member mentioned there are no cuts to social services. I wonder if this is an oversight on his part, because there are important cuts being made to indigenous programs like the Inuit child first initiative and Jordan's principle. I wonder if the member can commit to working with relevant ministers so those indigenous programs are not being cut like the rest of the social services he mentioned.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I am honoured to rise on behalf of 42 petitioners calling for the reinstatement of the Inuit child first initiative program, which was also called the hamlet food voucher program. We all know that poverty is a major issue in Nunavut, where 57% of the households experience food insecurity, compared to the national average of 12.7%. The hamlet food voucher program was helping with, on average, about $18 a day per child. That is not a lot of money, given the high cost of living, and it was unfortunate when the Liberal government decided to cut the program. These 42 petitioners are calling upon the Minister of Indigenous Services to reinstate the hamlet food voucher program and the early years program in Nunavut communities.”
“Uqaqtittiji , the government has legal obligations to first nations children, but the minister has stopped doing the work. This inaction is costing children their lives. The National Children's Chiefs Commission is being ignored. The Liberals would rather pay lawyers to fight with first nations children. Will the minister commit to permanently stopping the discrimination against first nations children or will she continue to make lawyers rich?”
“Uqaqtittiji , Inuit rely on hunting and trapping in a harsh environment. Nunavut is vast, with over 45,000 kilometres of coastline, and with no search and rescue base. When Nunavummiut are in trouble, they must wait for help from Halifax, which is over 2,000 kilometres away. Nunavut needs a centrally located search and rescue base in Sanirajak. Will the government provide that, or will it continue to keep Inuit at risk of losing their lives while they are out on the land?”
“Uqaqtittiji , it is quite problematic that the Liberals tabled the bill with very little data regarding bail, and a huge focus at committee needs to be on making sure that we are moving toward an evidence-based decision-making model regarding bail. I wonder if the member agrees that the federal government must show its leadership by creating a framework for data collection regarding bail.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I am glad to see the Liberal government understands that it has legal obligations under the Nunavut agreement. Unfortunately, some of the increases in investments are still not enough, as I mentioned earlier. I have met with all 25 hunters and trappers organizations, as I said earlier. Some of them are in offices that should be condemned, and we need to make sure that they have proper resources to participate in the environmental assessment process. The industry and the HTOs both contribute to that process. Is it any surprise that industry's voice is so much louder, bigger and more influential in that process than that of the hunters and trappers organizations? I will ask again: Will the Liberal government better fund hunters and trappers organizations so that they can fully engage in the environmental assessment process?”
“The Liberals give more to extract natural resources from Inuit land than to support wildlife conservation and cultural practices. This is not a balanced approach. Both Liberal and Conservative governments are good at apologizing, but not at acting on reconciliation. I challenge the government to stop enforcing colonial policies. Does the government believe keeping hunters and trappers less resourced than extraction companies is keeping Canada strong?”
“Yesterday, the Liberals tabled their budget, which included new funding for Natural Resources Canada to create a new fund called the critical minerals sovereign fund, which we understand would make strategic investments in critical minerals projects and companies and would include equity investments, loan guarantees and offtake agreements. When I read the budget, this means $2 billion over five years, starting next year, and an additional $50 million over five years for Natural Resources Canada to support the delivery of the fund, which would calculate to roughly $410 million per year for critical mineral funding. That is an astonishing 585 times more than the Liberals give to local Inuit organizations that are protecting wildlife, the environment and cultural practices.”
“I have visited them, and what I have seen so far is that most of their offices are in places that should be condemned. They have only one support staff member, and despite the lack of resources, they are expected to help protect Inuit rights to hunting and manage wildlife. They are the voice of the Inuit in the environmental assessment processes. The federal government's level of funding for the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board was recently reported in its annual report for this year, 2025. It included about $21 million total for all 25 hunters and trappers organizations, plus the three regional wildlife offices. If we did our math right, that means about $700,000 per hunters and trappers organization per year. I can compare that to the federal funding for resource extraction projects in Nunavut.”
“Uqaqtittiji , on September 19, I asked a question about funding the hunters and trappers organizations in Nunavut, and the government could not provide any answers. Are the Liberals not aware of their legal obligation to ensure that the Nunavut Agreement is implemented and that there is adequate funding for hunters and trappers organizations? The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board funds the hunters and trappers organizations, whose mandate includes to ensure conservation and the sustainable use of wildlife, to protect the rights and priorities of Inuit, and to regulate access to wildlife. Unfortunately, the hunters and trappers organizations have a lack of resources. There is one hunters and trappers organization in every community.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I do hope there are more consultations with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, with the BC Civil Liberties Association, with indigenous groups and with women’s groups, because it is those groups that are not feeling heard with how this bill was tabled. I do hope there will be more work done to hear from those most marginalized communities.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I am thankful for the important question because I do agree. As I mentioned in my speech, I am quite concerned that if these amendments go through, it will leave the provinces and territories without the resources they need to be able to take care of the people they have to take care of, and they will not be able to. I mentioned the fact that Nunavut has 25 fly-in communities. It has a travelling court. I do not know how it would manage the additional work that would be required to implement this bill.”
“Uqaqtittiji , as I said, we are quite cautious in our approach. I am very concerned, especially about the reverse onus sections of this bill. We know that, for example, even the former ministers of justice David Lametti and Arif Virani did not agree with the reverse onus. They felt that it did not increase public safety. I am quite concerned about it.”
“The cost is five dollars per day, as opposed to $184 per day for detention in Ontario, and this has reduced the overall numbers in pretrial detention. These programs ensure those on bail meet their conditions and have opportunities to be connected to alcohol, drug and mental health treatment programs. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association agrees with the NDP that Canada must increase support for community corrections. Additional bail supervisors must be hired, and alternate bail release and supervision programs must be implemented, with a focus on offenders with mental health or addiction challenges. The NDP is cautious in our approach to this bill, and we will continue to consult with women's groups, civil liberties groups and indigenous groups to ensure their voices are being heard.”
“They need to address the root causes of crime, and justice reform should be targeted, not broadly capture everyone. We need to provide better supervision for those on bail. Another solution is on-demand drug, alcohol and mental health treatment programs to end the revolving door of criminality. For these reasons, the NDP believes in supporting and expanding community-based bail supervision programs. For example, the John Howard Society has run bail supervision and verification programs in partnership with the Ontario Attorney General since 2011. These programs now operate in 17 Ontario communities. The success rate of these programs is over 90% in making sure bail conditions are observed and clients show up in court.”
“Indigenous people are drastically overrepresented in the corrections system. This bill would establish a broad category of reverse onus bail provisions applying to many offenders. It would have a disproportionate effect on indigenous, racialized and marginalized Canadians. There are, of course, specific Nunavut concerns because of the lack of infrastructure and a travelling court system. Canadians' concerns about violent repeat offenders are real. New Democrats are also concerned, but rushing ahead with reforms without data and without considering the impact on indigenous and marginalized groups is a huge concern. These broad reforms, without informed data or evidence, are not the solution. New Democrats have a different approach to bail reform. There need to be pragmatic and achievable solutions to keep communities safe.”
“It cited the importance of grounding amendments to the Criminal Code in data and evidence. Regarding legislative reform, it must be done once adequate data has been collected. The federal government must collaborate with provinces, territories and civil society to launch specific initiatives to collect and report standardized data about bail systems to inform legislative reforms. There must also be improved conditions in provincial and territorial jails, because the potential for poor conditions undermines the objectives of preventing crime and ensuring rehabilitation. There is a lack of leadership from the federal government regarding data collection in the criminal justice system. (1535) Another concern is the overrepresentation of indigenous people in the corrections system.”
“Pretrial detention often has serious impacts that can lead to loss of housing, employment and custody of children. For those who do get bail, failure to meet conditions set out for bail often leads to additional criminal charges. Too many of those lack the personal supports and resources necessary to meet those conditions. As I mentioned briefly, there is a serious lack of data and evidence-based information for reform. That is what we are calling for. No jurisdiction in Canada collects standardized data about the number of people out on bail and what their bail conditions were when offences were recommitted while on bail. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association made a submission to the justice committee and included recommendations about data collection.”
“The poor, the homeless and those suffering from addiction or mental health issues are more likely to be denied bail and held in detention because of a few factors: They do not have phones, do not have access to stable housing and employment, which are necessary to meet the requirements of bail, or lack friends and relatives who could serve as sureties. More than 60% of those being held in provincial correctional institutions are awaiting trial. Many detainees are never convicted of an offence, and less than 65% of charges result in convictions. Those in pretrial detention have no access to alcohol, drug, or mental health programs. Even short periods in detention lead to higher rates of future conflict with the law. More than 40% of those detained are held for longer than a month.”
“Of course, we all know there is an overrepresentation of indigenous and marginalized communities in corrections. Conservatives like to talk about catch and release to stoke fear. Most of these are urban, public disorder problems caused by poverty, drugs, alcohol and mental health problems. Jurisdictions all over the world, including the United States, have a tough-on-crime approach to bail, which does not make communities safer. We see that all the time in the media. Often, these policies make communities less safe and increase recidivism. Regarding pretrial detention, I have some facts to share. Over the past 30 years, the rate of pretrial detention in Canada has more than tripled. The rate is far higher in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and most western European nations.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I am honoured to speak to Bill C-14 as the NDP justice critic, and I acknowledge that there is huge public concern about the bail system and that Canadians want to feel safe. The New Democrats, having read through this bill, have concerns. There are real challenges in our bail system. Some examples include the high detention rate of those charged and awaiting trial. One-third of those charged are never convicted of anything. Jails are full and bursting. This bill does not address resources for provinces and territories, which would have to bear the burden of this bill. While in detention, there is no access to supportive programming, like drug and alcohol addiction programs and any other substance abuse programs. There is a severe lack of data about the number of people out on bail who are reoffending.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I welcome the new member to the House. As a potential effect of the bill, it could eventually result in placing more people in detention. From what we have heard from the Liberal government, we are going to have an austerity budget. I wonder if the member could share with us how the government expects provinces and territories to meet the potentially increased demands without the increased budget necessary to do so.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I mentioned already that we all know about the overrepresentation of indigenous and racialized people in the correctional system. This bill would broaden the reverse onus on many of the categories that are indigenous and marginalized people. I wonder if the member can share what supports will be established for those who are still quite oppressed under the current system.”
“Uqaqtittiji , the John Howard Society recently called on Ontario to expand its bail system and make it stronger. The society has a 96% success rate in ensuring that bail conditions are met. I wonder if the member agrees that the work of community-based supervision programs, like the 17 programs across Canada, should be expanded.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I think we all know in this room and in the rest of Canada that indigenous and racialized people have some of the highest incarceration rates in Canada. I wonder if the member can share with us how the bill on reverse onus will have an impact on those who are most marginalized and how their justice will be protected in the bill.”
“My bill, if passed, would require the federal government to develop a plan toward a guaranteed livable basic income. If passed, it would give back human dignity to those suffering in poverty. Canada is a wealthy country. Let us create policies for that wealth to be shared among the poorest in our communities. (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)”
“Bill C-253. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-253, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income . She said: Uqaqtittiji , I am pleased to introduce a bill to address severe poverty and food security in Canada. I thank my seconder, the member for Winnipeg Centre , for her fierce advocacy in originating this work. Nunavummiut are experiencing the worst food security crisis in Canada. In Iqaluit, food insecurity is at 79% for young children. This means that four out of every five Inuit children are going hungry every day. Visits to the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre are at an all-time high. When the Liberals abruptly cancelled the ICFI's hamlet food voucher program, visits went from 100 per day to an astonishing 500 per day.”
“Uqaqtittiji , I congratulate the newly elected and re-elected MLAs in Nunavut. My deepest respect goes to all those who put their name on the ballot. Qujannamiik . I encourage the MLAs to remember the people they represent. The dream of Nunavut is for Inuit self-determination. MLAs must keep their communities at the forefront of their work. Their communities have great solutions to offer. MLAs must be their voices in changing policies and laws. There is much work ahead of the MLAs. Food security, housing, health care, the local economy and supporting hunter and trapper organizations all need their attention. They will be pulled in many directions, so they must serve with purpose. Together we can make the dream of Nunavut a reality.”
“Uqaqtittiji , Iqaluit residents are protesting high grocery prices. In Cambridge Bay, even with the subsidy of $7.39, 12 bruised oranges cost $26.76. No one can afford these prices. The North West Company is profiting from our tax dollars while Inuit families are going hungry. Will the minister accelerate the nutrition north review so that Inuit families can finally afford food?”
“Will the Liberals finally help allow the wealth of Canada to be shared with Inuit so that families can afford to feed their families?”
“Uqaqtittiji , Michael Janke from Cambridge Bay recently compared the prices of oranges and sugar. He found that oranges are more expensive than sugar and explained that this is why Nunavummiut choose to buy groceries that are junk food as opposed to healthy foods; it is cheaper. The Liberals love to brag about Canada's place among the G7 countries. They love to brag about its credit rating. Indeed, Canada is a rich country, for the most part anyway. Inuit are left out of economic opportunities, resulting in heavy reliance on federal programs. All the communities I represent are fly-in communities. There are no roads to help make living more affordable. Therefore, ICFI was seen as a success. The Liberals were very quick to cancel the program when Inuit were being lifted out of poverty.”
“In May 2025, the community reported in its evaluation that during the program, families were able to pay their bills. They reported that families finally had enough support to provide healthy foods. In the community, 95% accessed the program. It is interesting to share that the Northern Store reported an increase of 1.9% in its quarterly reports at the end of July. When former Liberal minister of northern affairs Dan Vandal kept refusing to answer my questions, I had the indigenous and northern affairs committee agree to study the barriers to providing affordable groceries by bringing in CEOs of Canadian North, Calm Air, the Northern Store and a local co-op from Nunavut. We learned through the study that the CEO of the Northern Store earned millions in income.”
“The funny thing is that once they realized they did a good thing, they immediately cancelled the programs having positive impacts on Inuit families. While I share this based on feedback from hundred and thousands of families in Nunavut, this will not be enough for the Trump-loving Liberals. I have data to share. The Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre in Iqaluit collected data during the hamlet food voucher program on what happened when the program was cancelled without consultation or explanation. When the ICFI hamlet food voucher program was running, the number of visits to the Qajuqturvik declined. All of a sudden, the food voucher program was feeding families and bills were being paid. The community of Pangnirtung has similar data.”
“Uqaqtittiji , families in Nunavut have so few economic opportunities that many families end up relying heavily on government programs. Many are on income support. Indeed, some have supplemental benefits like the Canada child benefit, which is not sufficient to meet the high cost of living. Even when the Liberals offer programs like the nutrition north program, it fails to feed families. Why? It is because the program subsidizes for-profit corporations like the Northern Store. The Northern Store had profits in the hundreds of millions while it was allowed to put our tax dollars into the pockets of shareholders. The Liberals did one good thing: They created the hamlet food voucher program within the Inuit child first initiative.”
“Uqaqtittiji , the cost of living in Nunavut is grossly unfair. I have sought answers from the Minister of Indigenous Services and have not heard back. To my questions related to this late show, the minister has responded by citing the Canada child benefit. I am sorry. I have the wrong document. Can I have a quick minute?”
“Uqaqtittiji , it is clear that the Liberals have no concern for indigenous peoples and their rights. Their so-called consultations were nothing more than a publicity stunt to limit backlash. The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Assembly of First Nations and Métis nations expressed their concerns regarding Bill C-5 . However, it was still rushed through to become law. At the same time, the Liberal government is projecting cuts to Indigenous Services Canada. Making cuts to Indigenous Services Canada programs and services would mean losing investments in indigenous peoples' well-being and support. How will the Liberal government support indigenous peoples' well-being?”
“The Liberals' indigenous advisory council is another Liberal ploy to deceive Canadians into thinking indigenous voices are being heard. A council of indigenous advisers is not a suitable replacement for consultation with indigenous rights holders. In what way will the advisory council's role respect rights holders?”
“In 2021, Canada adopted UNDRIP, which committed Canada to taking the necessary measures to ensure Canadian laws are consistent with UNDRIP. On free, prior and informed consent, it states that UNDRIP will provide all peoples with the right to “freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”. The Liberals see FPIC as a barrier to economic goals. Their investments in natural resource development manipulate indigenous communities into economic development disguised as economic reconciliation. There is no reconciliation in taking land and resources from indigenous people without consent. The Prime Minister had meetings with indigenous people after Bill C-5 was passed. This is not respect for indigenous people, especially when they specifically called for delaying the passing of Bill C-5.”
“They prevented the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples. The Liberals only hold meetings with indigenous nations to win votes. When Bill C-5 was pushed through Parliament, thousands of indigenous people had been and remained evacuated from forest fires. While indigenous people coped with losing their livelihoods, the Liberals violated their rights to give free, prior and informed consent to Bill C-5 . The Liberals' goal of building Canada strong oppresses indigenous nations. Building Canada strong keeps indigenous people in poverty. It keeps indigenous people without infrastructure like housing, infrastructure to provide safe drinking water and infrastructure to generate economies based on indigenous strength.”
“Uqaqtittiji , in response to the throne speech, I asked if the minister would reverse the government's colonial approach or if indigenous rights would be violated. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations replied with promises about nation-building projects, a stronger economy and a stronger Canada. I do not see how Canada can become stronger when the rights of indigenous peoples are being violated by the current government. Fundamental indigenous rights are being denied. Many indigenous people still do not have access to clean drinking water. Inuit children are going to school hungry. Families are sleeping in overcrowded or mouldy houses. Free, prior and informed consent is disregarded. How quickly Bill C-5 was passed showed the true colours of the Liberals. They do not respect indigenous peoples.”
“Uqaqtittiji , we want to see amendments regarding investigations or incidents that happen abroad. As we know and as we have heard, even domestically some investigations have victims from one territory and witnesses from other provinces or even abroad. There should be better supports to ensure that these cross-jurisdictional issues can be streamlined.”