Kilikvak Kabloona vows to push for 4-year extension of Inuit Child First Initiative
Nunavut’s Liberal candidate lists her priorities Friday at campaign event in Iqaluit
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, left, speaks with federal Liberal candidate Kilikvak Kabloona Friday during her first public campaign event in Iqaluit. (Photo by Daron Letts)
Nunavut’s federal Liberal candidate introduced herself to supporters Friday, saying she’s up for the challenge of running for Parliament.
“I like big challenges. That’s who I am,” Kilikvak Kabloona said to a room of 15 people at the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the Canadian Arctic.
The event was open to the public although most of those in attendance were staff from the foundation, along with Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone.
“For the past year, I have been advocating for the extension of the Inuit Child First Initiative program,” Kabloona said, referring to work in her role as CEO of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. She has taken a leave without pay from that job for the duration of her campaign.
“I recognize that more needs to be done.”
The Inuit Child First Initiative is a federal government program that pays for health, education and social programs for Inuit children and youth. The fund was scheduled to end last month, but received a one-year reprieve when the Liberal government announced an extension March 8.
If she wins the April 28 election, Kabloona said she will work for more long-term funding for the Inuit Child First Initiative, aiming for four-year funding cycles.
Kilikvak Kabloona told a group of about 15 people Friday in Iqaluit that she supports Inuktitut language instruction. She was acclaimed Tuesday as Nunavut’s Liberal candidate in the April 28 federal election. (Photo by Daron Letts)
She also highlighted her work with NTI, supervising the negotiation team involved in the signing of the Nunavut Agreement renewal with the Liberal government on March 8.
That deal includes $1.5 billion to be paid out over the next nine years, which allocates $650 million for training Inuit for government jobs.
In addition to the Nunavut Agreement renewal, Kabloona spoke of her work in support of building shelters across Nunavut, including a shelter in Pond Inlet, which she said she visited recently.
“In Gjoa Haven, it is expected that shelter will be open later this year and in Baker Lake, the designs have been developed and funding has been secured for construction,” she said.
For Inuit post-secondary students, Kabloona said she has worked with regional Inuit associations to secure $10 million from Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation for food and other “wraparound supports” for students, such as daycare and tutoring costs.
Kabloona described herself as a “silent speaker” of Inuktitut, explaining that she understands and speaks the language, but thinks in English.
“There’s so many reasons for Inuktitut language loss,” she said. “I have always been and would continue to be a strong supporter of the Inuktitut language.”
Kabloona is running against incumbent NDP member of Parliament Lori Idlout, Conservative candidate James Arreak and the Green Party’s Brennan Wauters.
pj should run for liberals
Empty promises, just the same as she was during her stint at NTI.
She was
CEO not political position!
PJ should avoid the partisanship and get ready to work with whoever represents Nunavut federally. Let Nunavummiut decide without these planned, staged photo ops.
Reminder: personal politics and the best laid plans can change very fast.
When do we get the photo op with the Green Party Party candidate in BC?
Joe Savikataaq’s commentary seems more like a reflection of his own frustrations than a critique of PJ’s efforts. PJ focus has always been on advocating for Nunavummiut, not on playing political games. PJ prioritizes the voices of Nunavummiut over political theatrics. Engaging with federal representatives—regardless of their party is about ensuring Nunavut’s unique needs are heard and addressed.
I hope whoever wrote that comment truly believes what they’re saying—ignorance can indeed be bliss.
PJ’s government appears primarily focused on photo ops, carefully staged media events, and quick headlines. The real issue, however, is what happens or rather doesn’t happen when the cameras stop clicking. Execution and follow-through are noticeably lacking.
This criticism isn’t unique; it’s mentioned frequently here and within the legislature itself. It seems likely these concerns come directly from public servants and organizations who witness this pattern often.
Here’s the key point: a federal election is underway, and what’s genuinely best for Nunavut is for PJ and the government to remain neutral.
#MillionDollarEldersVans
#ThisAintStudentCouncil
There really are no new ideas in this election are there? It all comes down to who can panhandle the most from the federal government. That is all…
Generous of Nunatsiaq to cover the candidate who told people not to read the paper and recommended a boycott of the outlet just months ago.
I agree with her on one thing
As it always is for the Liberals ( PJ also), it’s shallow promises for their shallow supporters and shallow voters.
Voting Liberals and always have. I recall Voting PC with majority Government, guess what, fundings were either eliminated or cut off in Nunavut.
Bravo Karen for throwing your hat into the ring. Win or loose you enhance the upcoming election by helping to elevate the calibre of candidates vying for the votes of Nunavummiut. I extend to you, James and Lori my admiration for having the courage and fortitude to stand in this historically important election.
Interesting comments, Paul; spoken like an old-monied lifetime-bureaucrat
In this pivotal time, Nunavut needs a leader who not only understands the unique challenges the territory faces but also embodies the values of the status quo. That leader is Kilikvak Kabloona, the candidate who stands out as both a beacon of adequacy and a choice for Nunavut’s future.
As a proud advocate for the Inuit Nunangat, she emphasizes the need for lassez faire policies that might foster some productivity and elated reactions. Her vision for Nunavut is a place where the future is built by the rich looking to the foundations of the past.
With Kilikvak at the helm, anything might be possible! The sky could be the limit. We learned this from her phenomenal work as the CEO at NTI. Just ask any staff and you will find out.