Iqaluit, Nunavut – April 20, 2021 – Yesterday, upon reviewing the federal budget, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association was pleased to learn of the priorities set out by the federal government.

“QIA welcomes Budget 2021 as an opportunity to continue working together towards an Inuit economy that improves conditions of everyday life for Inuit,” says QIA President P.J. Akeeagok. “Canada’s commitments to oceans protection, infrastructure, food security, culture and healing, and child care show we are looking in the same direction. Our work together in the coming days will determine how positive these commitments are for Inuit.”

QIA eagerly anticipated this first federal budget tabled in two years. The funds made available will further QIA’s goal of a diversified Inuit economy in the coming years.

QIA welcomes the prioritization of a universal Child Care Plan, which aligns with QIA’s on-going Benefits Fund investments in the area of Early Learning and Child Care.

As our region faces an outbreak of COVID-19, Canada’s continued support for the Indigenous Community Support Fund will ensure QIA can continue to provide Inuit-specific COVID-19 response.

QIA will now hold meetings with federal Ministers, senior officials and fellow Inuit organizations to begin the process of accessing funds allocated in this federal budget. QIA intends to speak further on the federal budget once additional information is shared about plans to implement the budget.

For more information, please contact:

Will Hopkins,
Acting Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
whopkins@qia.ca
867.975.8413/1.800.667.2742