Evidence of meeting #37 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was work.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Lori Idlout Liberal Nunavut, NU
Qujannamiik, Iksivautaq.
Thank you, Minister, for appearing before the committee.
I want to start by asking about the ICFI and the $115 million that you mentioned in your presentation.
I want to note, as well, that Gloria Uluqsi is the new president of NTI. I send my congratulations to her.
In one of her first publications to Nunavummiut, she has called on the federal government to make ICFI permanent. I'm wondering if you've heard from NTI about whether you'll accept that recommendation to make ICFI permanent.
Liberal
Mandy Gull-Masty Liberal Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC
Thank you, MP Idlout. I'm happy to work with you in this new role.
This is really a space that is so important to me. It is important to me because, as the MP also representing the territory of Nunavik, I have the opportunity to work with 14 Inuit villages. I'm somebody who has also lived on the border of the Inuit, of Nunavik, in my husband's community, which is half Cree and half Inuit. I've experienced personally the cost of living in the north and the amounts of planning and resources needed. A young, pregnant mother of two kids really understands what it means for a household to provide service to kids in terms of having access to school and to healthy food. My husband is a hunter. He was able to supplement in that space, so I'm really supportive of the work that's being done across multiple programs.
With ICFI, I was really pleased to be in Nunavik to present $115 million in renewed funding for the Inuit child first initiative. This really ensures that we provide the resources needed to access essential health, social and educational services. I'm also very supportive of the national school food program, because I want to be sure that we have these long-term mechanisms in place.
We have renewed this for a one-year period, and we are undertaking the work of doing engagement with communities to be sure that we hear from the people who are using ICFI to understand how this program can become long-term: What kinds of supports do we, as a government, have to use? The cost of living is incredibly high. The cost of providing the appropriate support beyond just food security is important to me. I commit to doing the work with my fellow ministers and supporting all aspects of enhancing life for people who live in the north.
Liberal
Lori Idlout Liberal Nunavut, NU
Thank you so much for that response.
I also wanted to ask a question about mental wellness and substance use treatment services. I've noted that in the supplementary estimates there's $311.1 million. I need to ask this question in particular because I'm hearing from my constituents that they're concerned about cuts being made to mental wellness programming.
I think we all know how important it is that we ensure indigenous peoples are getting their wellness through healing. There are concerns that we're always hearing, from across Canada, about how we still have too much intergenerational trauma. I wonder if you can share what your department is doing to help in that area as well.
Liberal
Mandy Gull-Masty Liberal Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC
Thank you. I appreciate the question.
This year, we announced $630 million for mental wellness. We've also committed to investing in the space of family violence prevention. I had the question earlier about whether that should be zero. Yes, we have to be committed to getting it to zero, but we have to ensure that we're working with communities for them to do the engagement, to determine the pathway and to respond to the historical traumas, the discrimination and the racism they've endured in this space.
I really want to take the clear position that we make investments in this space with $63.5 million over five years. This is a long-term plan. This is meeting the communities in the space that they are in, having them develop the pathway and determine it for themselves, because, as I've clearly stated on the record, I'm not here to determine for communities. I'm here to create the space for them, to support them, to provide them the funding and to ensure they support their members in the work they're doing.
I also want to say that it is imperative that we, as a government, not only address the historical harms and the real-life experiences that people have today but also do the work of supporting them. Mental wellness is not one single program. It's about working with the individual and the household. It's about health determinants. It's about social support. It's about supporting the community. It is so much more than just saying, “You should be at zero.” It's about saying that we respect you enough to know that on your path to zero we are going to provide you with the tools and mechanisms you realistically need to get there.
Thank you.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Terry Sheehan
Thank you very much. That brings us to the end.
I'd like to thank you, Minister, and your staff, for being here today to go through some very important things that are in the supplementaries. I appreciate it.
To the committee, thank you all for your questions.
We will suspend and get ready for the next panel.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Terry Sheehan
I call the meeting back to order.
I would like to resume the meeting with our second panel and make a few comments for the benefit of the new witnesses.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking.
For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
When we have multiple lights on, it's very difficult for the interpreters. It's about their health and safety. Let's please be mindful. One person should speak at a time. That is really important, because it's very difficult for them.
I would like to welcome our new witnesses.
We have the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. We also have the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs. We have two for one on Rebeccas. That's very good.
From the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, we have Jimi Onalik; Stephen Traynor, vice-president of policy, planning, communications and the northern projects management office; and Sean O'Donnell, chief financial officer and director general of corporate services.
From the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, we have Valerie Gideon, deputy minister; Manon Nadeau-Beaulieu, assistant deputy minister and chief financial officer; Darlene Bess, assistant deputy minister of resolution and partnerships; Georgina Lloyd, assistant deputy minister of northern affairs; Gorazd Ruseski, director general; and Bruno Steinke, senior director of the consultation and accommodations unit.
We will begin with five minutes for the Honourable Rebecca Alty.
Please proceed.
Rebecca Alty LiberalMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Thank you.
First, I would like to acknowledge that we're meeting on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe.
It's good to be here to speak about the work under way at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
I often hear that the challenges we face as a country hold real opportunity, if we walk together, and we respect and recognize the leadership of indigenous peoples.
Across our work, we're seeing a consistent pattern. When we work in partnership with indigenous peoples, we see real, measurable results.
I'll start with additions to reserves. Supporting communities means making sure that they have the land base they need to grow and plan for the future. Since being appointed, I've approved 76 additions to reserve. There were 57 approvals in 2025-26, and there have been 19 to date since April 1, 2026.
That includes an addition yesterday for the Timiskaming First Nation, in the riding of Abitibi—Témiscamingue.
In total, these ATRs represent over 136,000 acres nationwide, which is roughly the same size as the city of Ottawa. These results represent real community expansion, creating space for housing, services and long-term growth.
The Atlantic region has shown how a collaborative approach can deliver real results, with 13 ATRs approved in the last fiscal year. In Nova Scotia, recent ATRs are creating economic momentum. For example, the four additions to the Membertou First Nation, totalling more than 400 acres, doubled their land base and created space for housing, services and first nations-led economic development. This means new jobs, businesses and affordable housing.
It's important to note that these benefits aren't just for first nations. They are also for the wider community, benefiting both indigenous and non-indigenous people alike.
On specific claims, we're continuing to make progress. Over the past fiscal year, we've resolved 27 claims. Recent analysis shows that roughly $1.7 billion in settlements each year supports more than 7,000 jobs, for $469 million in labour income and $740 million in GDP.
First nations are using these settlements to drive growth and build prosperity. On average, half of the settlement funds are invested and nearly a third goes toward community infrastructure and economic development. For example, the Peter Chapman Band in Saskatchewan is investing its specific claim settlement in its future and strengthening the community for generations to come. Projects already under way include a new band office, a public works garage, sports fields and a subdivision with 28 houses.
My department has also continued to address claims relating to the historical abuse of indigenous children. Early this year, we reached a settlement agreement with former students of the Île-à-la-Crosse School in Saskatchewan. I'll take this opportunity to remind members of the committee and Canadians watching at home that applications for the Île-à-la-Crosse settlement are open until this time next year.
Consultation is another important part of our work. As major projects move forward, indigenous communities need to be able to participate and benefit fully. That is crucial not just to advance major projects, but also to ensure that they are carried out in a manner that respects indigenous rights and helps to build a stronger Canada.
That is why we are continuing to support the federal initiative on consultation, which includes funding for jointly developed consultation protocols and indigenous-led resource centres. In budget 2025, the government allocated $10.1 million over three years to support this work, creating three new consultation resource centres in British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba.
A few weeks ago, I was in Manitoba, where I announced $1.8 million in funding for two of three consultation centres, which are going to help build major projects, such as that of the port of Churchill. We're updating the consultation and accommodation guidelines as well, which will support federal officials in meeting the Crown's obligations.
We're also taking steps to improve access to capital for first nations communities. Changes to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act will allow special purpose vehicles—indigenous-owned corporations—to borrow through the First Nations Finance Authority when backed by a federal or provincial loan guarantee. The majority of first nations—385 communities—have opted into the act, and the First Nations Finance Authority has lent $4 billion for infrastructure and economic development projects.
This is helping first nations across the country gain access to affordable capital so that they can build their local economies. For example, thanks to a loan from the First Nations Finance Authority, Batchewana First Nation was able to acquire 100% ownership of Bow Lake, a 58.3 megawatt wind facility located on the eastern edge of Lake Superior. These kinds of investments build long-term wealth and prosperity for nations.
To that end, we've also doubled the indigenous loan guarantee program from $5 billion to $10 billion, and we will continue working directly with nations to ensure that indigenous people are able to fully participate in building Canada strong.
Taken together, these initiatives reflect steady, practical progress across Crown-indigenous relations, progress that's delivering tangible results for indigenous communities and for Canada as a whole.
There's more work ahead, and we'll continue working alongside indigenous partners in a way that is respectful, collaborative and focused on results.
Thank you. Merci. Mahsi cho.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Terry Sheehan
Chi-meegwetch.
Now we go to the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, please.
You have five minutes.
Rebecca Chartrand LiberalMinister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
Thank you.
Kwe kwe, ullukkut, tansi, bonjour and hello. Good morning, everybody.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the members of the committee here today. I'm pleased to appear today to discuss supplementary estimates (A) and how these targeted investments support our work with northern, territorial and indigenous partners.
In the north, affordability, infrastructure, food security, climate resilience and sovereignty are deeply connected. When transportation is limited, food costs more. We all know that. When housing is scarce, communities cannot grow. When infrastructure ages, supply chains become brittle. When communities are not properly connected, Canada's Arctic sovereignty is weakened.
These estimates include targeted funding in three areas: $30 million for nutrition north, approximately $6 million for CanNor, and $3.5 million for Polar Knowledge Canada, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.
Through CanNor, we are helping northern businesses, indigenous partners and communities turn opportunities into jobs, capacity and long-term growth. In 2025-26 CanNor investments supported an estimated 1,200 jobs and leveraged more than $126 million from partners. That work is especially important in the Northwest Territories, where the diamond sector is entering a serious economic transition.
Earlier this year, CanNor and the Government of the Northwest Territories signed an agreement to better align work on critical minerals, major infrastructure and project coordination. We are also advancing priorities through the Major Projects Office, including the Mackenzie Valley highway, Taltson hydro expansion and the Arctic economic and security corridor. Alongside this work, we are advancing the Arctic infrastructure fund, with approximately $1 billion over four years for dual-use transportation infrastructure, including roads, airports, ports, runways and sealift infrastructure. These investments strengthen sovereignty and defence readiness while improving the movement of food, fuel, building materials, medical supplies and people across the north.
To help northern and indigenous partners prepare for these opportunities, CanNor is delivering SNID, the support to the northern infrastructure development initiative, to strengthen project readiness, planning, consultation capacity and meaningful participation.
Housing is also central to affordability and community strength. Through Build Canada Homes, we are advancing up to 750 homes in Nunavut and up to 500 homes in the Yukon. We are also supporting modular and prefabricated housing capacities so that more work, jobs and benefits can stay in the north.
Food security is another area in which pressure on families is real. Nutrition north Canada supports food security programming in 124 isolated northern communities. Through these estimates, we are providing $30 million to renew the subsidy program and respond to demand-driven cost pressures.
However, nutrition north Canada is only one part of a broader approach that includes harvesting, food sharing, community food programming, local production, indigenous-led research and stronger northern food systems. That is why I brought together elders, harvesters, youth, indigenous leaders, community organizations, researchers, retailers, suppliers and partners through virtual and in-person meetings. The goal is to lower costs today while building food systems shaped by northerners and rooted in regional realities.
I also know that we have a strong interest in Giant Mine and northern contaminated sites. Canada currently manages more than 160 northern contaminated sites, including eight major abandoned mine projects. Responsible remediation protects the environment while creating jobs, training, indigenous business opportunities and long-term community benefits. Giant Mine is one of the largest and most complex environmental remediation projects Canada has undertaken. It left hundreds of thousands of tonnes of toxic arsenic trioxide and other hazardous materials for Canadians to clean up, underscoring why modern mine projects require rigorous environmental reviews and remediation requirements.
At Giant Mine we have signed benefit agreements with the Tlicho government, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the North Slave Métis Alliance. A northern indigenous firm was also awarded a contract worth more than $10 million for the work in the core industrial area. Nearly 2,000 people were employed in 2024 and 2025, and the project remains on track to meet its procurement targets.
At Faro mine, our work with the Ross River Dena Council and the Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation on the Tsē Zūl work camp is creating accommodations for 275 workers while building indigenous capacity and economic opportunity beyond the cleanup project itself.
Finally, through Polar and CHARS in Cambridge Bay, we are supporting Canada's Arctic science capacity. The proposed $3.5 million will help maintain essential operations at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station and support research that informs decisions on climate change, infrastructure, energy, food security, environmental stewardship and northern resilience.
We are lowering costs where we can. We are building infrastructure that lasts. We are strengthening food systems. We are cleaning up legacy contaminations. We are supporting indigenous and northern economic leadership, and we are ensuring that Canada's Arctic presence is rooted in partnership with the people who live there. These main and supplementary estimates help us keep that work moving.
Meegwetch. Qujannamiik. Marsee. Merci. Thank you.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Terry Sheehan
Chi-meegwetch.
First up, for the Conservatives for six minutes, we have MP Zimmer.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
My first question is for Minister Chartrand.
The Prime Minister said last year, “Canadians will hold us to account by their experience at the grocery store, when they are paying their electricity bill, when they or their children are looking for a place to live”. Northerners took him at his word, and so did they take his predecessor at his word.
Last week, at this committee, Joseph Murdoch-Flowers, executive director of the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre in Iqaluit, testified that yearly meal counts have grown from “58,000 in 2022 to almost 91,000” in 2025, a 57% increase in three years. As of June 3, 2026, the centre had already served over 37,000 meals. That's this year.
According to Statistics Canada, 58.1% of people in Nunavut live in food-insecure households, the highest rate in the country and more than double the national average. In Nunavut, a jar of jam costs $35, a jar of pickles costs $66 and a six-pack of applesauce costs $58.
Minister, your government has been in power for 11 years, and hunger in Nunavut is worsening. When is life going to finally get more affordable for northerners, as Prime Minister Mark Carney promised?
Liberal
Rebecca Chartrand Liberal Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
As you know, nutrition north is a food subsidy program. We know that a food subsidy program itself is not going to solve the food insecurity issue in northern Canada. Although the program isn't working the way some people have defined, I want to point out that you've referenced the cost of food.
Milk on Baffin Island is $12.14, and the subsidy has brought it down by $15. Without that subsidy, the cost of milk would be $27.14.
We have held regional engagements with the 124 communities that are supported by nutrition north. These engagements are creating the opportunity to ensure that the communities most affected by food insecurity are helping to define the solutions—
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
With respect, Minister, your government has been in government for 11 years.
Liberal
Conservative
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
No, she's already not answered the question.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
Thank you, but the respect goes both ways, and it's my question.