A day after announcing the NDP’s two new proposals to combat rising rent and housing costs, Lori Idlout received the NDP Nunavut nomination during a closed-door meeting on Oct. 21 in Iqaluit.
A Monday morning news release credits Idlout and other caucus members for securing millions of funds for the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing program, while praising Idlout in particular for advocating tirelessly for the Northern Indigenous peoples, from securing firearm rights to opposing the “harmful” expansion of the Baffinland iron mine.
On Oct. 20, Idlout and national NDP leader Jagmeet Singh held a press conference together in Iqaluit’s Astro Terrace building, where the pair announced a plan for both a tax on grocery chain profits and as well as $500 million in immediate housing funds. The next day, Idlout received the NDP nomination for the territory.
“Lori has done such important work for Northern and Indigenous peoples in Nunavut,” stated NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “She’s been remarkable in fighting for her community in Ottawa on issues like affordability, food prices, and housing. Lori is a tireless advocate for the people of Nunavut. Imagine what more New Democrats could accomplish for (Northerners) with an even bigger caucus.”
Idlout pledged to continue as a strong voice for Inuit and Northern interests in Parliament.
“Too few voices are fighting for Northern and First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Ottawa. For decades, Nunavummiut have lived in deplorable conditions, and they need someone who will advocate for them to change the status quo,” said Idlout. “I believe I’m the right person to fight for Nunavut, to fight for justice and better conditions for Indigenous people — not the Liberals, who time and time again have let Northern and Indigenous communities down.
“The Liberals tried to take away many Nunavummiut’s way of feeding themselves and their families by adding a last-minute amendment to ban certain hunting rifles, and we fought back. The NDP has fought to reform Nutrition North, so people get the subsidy, not big box stores. New Democrats understand what Northern, Indigenous communities and the most vulnerable are going through, and I’m looking forward to building on the work of the NDP caucus,” added Idlout, who was elected Nunavut’s MP in the 2021 federal election.