New directive integrates Inuit Nunangat Policy into federal decision-making

Federal government departments must develop policies and deliver programs in a way that complies with the Inuit Nunangat Policy, according to a directive announced Thursday by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree.

“It changes structurally how the federal government operates, and it really does put the onus on federal departments and agencies to ensure that the Inuit perspectives are fully integrated into our decision-making,” Anandasangaree said in an interview.

“Cabinet directives are quite rare, and this particular directive … really ensures … the Inuit Nunangat Policy is at the centre of the decision-making relating to the federal government.”

Anandasangaree made the announcement during his visit to Iqaluit, speaking alongside Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Jeremy Tunraluk and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed.

The directive is another step toward implementing the Inuit Nunagat Policy, Anandasangaree said.

Announced in 2022 by Obed and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the policy framework directs the federal government on how to design policies, programs and services that affect Inuit.

After the announcement Thursday, the full cabinet directive was published on the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs website.

Some key provisions are that federal “departments and agencies will apply an Inuit Nunangat approach to all policy and program proposals.” The goal is to ensure fairness to Inuit and collaboration with them on decisions.

Another states cabinet ministers “will have the shared responsibility of determining if an Inuit Nunangat approach has been applied on proposals that impact Inuit directly or indirectly.”

The directive also includes measures relating to monitoring and reporting progress, as well as ensuring Inuit Nunangat is part of funding considerations.

“It is a guide map, if you will, to better policymaking and structurally inclusive of our rights and interests,” Obed said in an interview, welcoming the directive.

“We hope that this policy ushers in a more effective public service when it comes to the inclusion of Inuit.”

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout said her New Democratic Party welcomes the latest development. But in a written statement, she included some criticism.

“Inuit have been on this land for time immemorial and must be included in all decision-making,” she said.

“For nine years, the Liberals have been making promises to Inuit while life continues to get harder.”

Obed said ITK —  the national organization for Inuit in Canada — and other Inuit organizations are “bracing for change.”

Next month, the Liberal party is set to select a new leader to replace Trudeau as prime minister. A federal election must be held no later than Oct. 20 this year, but could happen sooner.

“We have done our homework in trying to work as best we can as Inuit in relation to the Crown,” Obed said.

“We don’t see a particular brand of government, whether it be Liberal or Conservative or NDP. We see representatives of the Crown and we, from our side, have mobilized as Inuit together in self-determination.”