IRC Welcomes Federal Budget 2019
Press Release
INUVIK, NT (March 20, 2019) – After yesterday’s federal budget announcement, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) Chair and CEO Duane Ningaqsiq Smith is pleased with the government’s Inuit-specific priorities and investments to help advance self-determination and improve the quality of life particularly in Canada’s North.
“The continued investments in closing the gap and improving Indigenous Services through the Federal Budget 2019 will certainly improve the overall living conditions of Inuvialuit communities. We welcome the proposed Inuit-specific investments in suicide prevention, post-secondary education, and health and social services for Inuit children,” said Smith. “Inuvialuit will also benefit from new support for Indigenous languages, entrepreneurs and businesses, elders, and mental health and home care.”
IRC welcomes the following new and continuing initiatives:
- Harvesters Support Grant (under Nutrition North Canada)
- Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund, (under National Food Policy)
- Access to High-Speed Internet for Rural, Remote and Northern Communities
- Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (under CanNor)
- Direct support for Inuit students under the Post-Secondary Education Strategy
- Support of Inuit Children to access Health and Social Services
- Continued support of the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy
IRC continues to work directly with the federal government on all initiatives as well as through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee with the other Inuit regions under Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. IRC will continue to pursue at all levels of government for the advancement of Inuvialuit, the region at large, and Canada as a whole.
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For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Kolb or Peggy Jay
IRC Communications
Tel: 867.777.7000
Email: comms@inuvialuit.com
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