Ottawa, ON – April 17, 2024. Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is encouraged by the distinctions-based approach in Budget 2024 but remain concerned about the lack of intersectionality and no Inuit-specific GBA+ frameworks used to evaluate spending and priorities.
The Government of Canada’s Fairness for Every Generation Budget 2024 outlined over $535B in spending for 2024-2025, including specific funding for Inuit communities going to the Non-Insured Health Benefits program and reducing Indigenous racism in healthcare. Announcing the first Inuit agreement to reduce the number of Inuit children in care, food security programs, including school food programs, childcare support, and housing initiatives, are all positive first steps.
In response to the federal budget, Interim President, Nancy Etok shared,
“Pauktuutit will continue to advocate for the inclusion of Inuit women and girls at every decision-making table as these policies are implemented. We noticed the Government of Canada’s departure from providing specific funding opportunities for Inuit-women. This resulted in no mention of Inuit women in the budget, leaving a significant gap for Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse Inuit.”
Pauktuutit was encouraged by the budget’s proposed $167.5 million over two years intended to ensure Inuit children can access the health, social, and educational services they need, when they need them. Additionally, Pauktuutit looks forward to learning more about the $167.6 million investment to reduce Anti-Indigenous racism in health care, along with the details in the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
Other promising commitments include support for Indigenous Mental Health, the Northern Food Security program enhancements and the Indigenous Housing and Community Infrastructure investments. The pledge to promote Indigenous participation in clean growth opportunities in the resource extraction sector is critical to reducing unsustainable practices. It will also enable increased and safe participation for Inuit women in the resource extraction industry.
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Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is a national voice for Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse Inuit wherever they live in Canada.
For more information, please contact Catherine Whittaker at communications@pauktuutit.ca.