Northerners want changes to programs across Inuit Nunangat – not just more federal money – CBC

Feb 20, 2026

Federal gov’t to announce changes to Inuit Child First Initiative in coming weeks

Ottawa’s new investments in supporting Inuit children and families has eased some concerns about the future of those programs, but some northerners say they want to see more than just funding for stop-gap measures.

On Thursday, Indigenous Services Canada Minister Mandy Gull-Masty revealed $229 million for tuberculosis, food security, and child and family support in Inuit communities – allocations notably absent from the fall 2025 federal budget.

The new funding includes $115 million to renew the Inuit Child First Initiative, which is a temporary measure to ensure Inuit children have timely access to essential support and services while an Inuit-specific framework is being developed.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mandy-gull-masty-funding-inuit-nunangat-9.7098445