ITK Congratulates Ministers Named in Cabinet Shuffle

August 28, 2017 – National Inuit Leader Natan Obed extended his congratulations to the Ministers named this morning in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle, and noted with interest the decision to split Indigenous and Northern Affairs into two departments.

“Without more detailed information It is unclear what these changes will mean for Inuit. However, I welcome today’s acknowledgement that the federal government must do better when it comes to policy, programs and services for Inuit and all Indigenous peoples. I am hopeful that the new direction will result in improved communication with Inuit and responsiveness to Inuit needs and priorities,” said Obed.

“I would like to thank Minister Jane Philpott, in particular, who has worked closely with ITK. She has demonstrated a keen understanding of what it means to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples, and I look forward to engaging with her more closely in her new role as Minister of Indigenous Services, alongside Carolyn Bennett in her new role as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.”