Prime Minister delivers apology to Inuit for the federal government’s management of tuberculosis epidemic from the 1940s-1960s
March 8, 2019
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Apologies cannot undo the wrongs of the past – but they play an important role in setting a commitment to do better, and helping communities heal. By acknowledging these wrongs, we can help renew Canada’s relationship with Inuit, create a more just future, and move forward together on our journey of reconciliation.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today apologized on behalf of the Government of Canada to Inuit for its actions during the tuberculosis epidemic from the 1940s to the 1960s. During this period, thousands of Inuit were sent away from their communities for tuberculosis treatment in southern Canada, where they were cut off from their language, their culture, their families, and their home. In too many cases, when people passed away during treatment, they were buried far from home, leaving families with no knowledge of the fate of their loved ones.
Prime Minister Trudeau recognized the pain and trauma this injustice caused for families and communities across Inuit Nunangat, and the intergenerational impacts that continue to affect Inuit communities today. He also apologized for the colonial mindset that drove these and other government actions and brought such shameful destruction upon Inuit communities.
The Prime Minister also announced the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative, developed in partnership with Inuit, to help Inuit families and communities with the process of healing. In Inuktitut, “Nanilavut” means “let’s find them.” The initiative will help families find information on loved ones sent away during the epidemic. It will also provide other support identified as important by Inuit, including mental health assistance and commemoration activities.
The apology and the Nanilavut Initiative are the result of a collaborative effort between the Government of Canada, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivik Corporation, Nunatsiavut Government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Reconciliation initiatives like this are a key priority for these partners, and part of the work of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee. They also reflect the Government of Canada’s firm commitment to renewing the Inuit-Crown relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
Quotes
“To Inuit, and the families and communities of Inuit Nunangat who were wronged by the federal government’s management of the tuberculosis epidemic – we are sorry. We apologize to those who were forced to leave, those left behind, the families without knowledge of the fate of their loved ones, and the communities that continue to feel the impacts today. We cannot undo the shameful actions of the past, but we can work together to create a better future, one built on respect and partnership. Every step we take on this journey of reconciliation, we will take together.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“This apology is a necessary first step toward closing this dark chapter in Canada’s history and remedying the ongoing challenges that are connected to it. It allows families to seek the closure and healing they have sought for more than half a century. I am pleased that the Prime Minister’s words are also accompanied by actions. The launch of the Nanilavut Initiative will help many families gather tangible information to help them find the final resting place of their loved ones. Through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, Inuit leaders and federal ministers must continue to work together to achieve our shared commitment of eliminating TB in Inuit Nunangat by 2030. These are all critical elements on our shared path towards reconciliation.”
—Natan Obed, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
“On behalf of Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, we acknowledge and accept the Prime Minister’s apology. We also appreciate the federal government’s efforts to help Inuit find closure in relation to this important issue. We are proud to be working with our partners across Inuit Nunangat and in Ottawa to help Inuit find out what happened to lost loved ones who were sent south for medical treatment between the 1940s and 1960s. The work we are doing together is extremely important, and there is still so much to do to create the better future that the Prime Minister spoke so eloquently about.”
—Johannes Lampe, President, Nunatsiavut
“We acknowledge the apology, which is long overdue. While we look at the wrongs of the past, we also look at problems of today, among them overcrowding from the lack of housing and the spread of tuberculosis that is endangering our people as the disease slowly spreads in Arctic communities.”
—Adamie D Alaku, Vice President, Makivik Corporation of Nunavik
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada has been collaborating with Inuit partners on the Nanilavut Initiative, which will provide family members with information on loved ones who passed away while undergoing medical treatment for tuberculosis between the 1940s and the 1960s.
- The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Inuit-led efforts to eliminate tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat, as well as the factors that contribute to the spread of the disease, including inadequate housing, food insecurity, and poverty.
- On March 23, 2018, the Government of Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced a commitment to eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and reduce active tuberculosis by at least 50 percent by 2025.
- Budget 2018 announced $27.5 million over five years to support the Inuit-specific approach to tuberculosis elimination. This includes funding for enhanced prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of TB and latent TB infection.
- This is part of the $509.5 million committed in Budget 2018 to work with Inuit and other partners to strengthen public health programs, collect data through an Inuit Health Survey, invest in housing to address the significant overcrowding in Inuit communities, and support employment and job training.
- This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
Associated Links
- Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Framework Released
- The Government of Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami commit to eliminating tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030
- Prime Minister of Canada and President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announce the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee
- Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership
Statement by the Prime Minister on International Women’s Day
March 8, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Women’s Day:
“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate women around the world: their achievements, their contributions, and their leadership. We also take a hard look at the inequalities and injustices women still face – and redouble our efforts to build a gender-equal world.
“This year’s theme, #InnovateForChange, is a call to remove barriers to women’s success as entrepreneurs, as tradespeople, and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). When women have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in the careers of their choice, everyone benefits.
“We have seen major progress in the last few years, as more and more women are entering under-represented fields and being recognized for their work. Last October, Canadian physicist Dr. Donna Strickland was a winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics – becoming only the third woman in history to win the prestigious award, and the first woman in 55 years. By breaking glass ceilings, trailblazers like Dr. Strickland pave the way for others to follow suit, and help empower more women and girls to pursue their highest ambitions.
“Advancing gender equality is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Last year, for the first time in Canada’s history, we put gender equality at the core of the federal budget and provided important new funding for women entrepreneurs, newcomer women, and women in trades. In 2017, we launched the first-ever national Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender Violence. With Budget 2018, we made further investments in the strategy, and also announced important funding for organizations across Canada that are on the frontlines of the movement for gender equality. And last December, we created the new Department for Women and Gender Equality to lead these efforts.
“We are also taking action beyond our borders to promote gender equality and help more women and girls achieve their goals. Canada made gender equality and women’s empowerment the central theme of its G7 presidency, and created the Gender Equality Advisory Council to steer that commitment. Thanks to their leadership, at the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Canada and partners announced $3.8 billion to support quality education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations – the single largest investment of its kind. Canada also looks forward to hosting the Women Deliver 2019 Conference in Vancouver this summer, and bringing together global leaders in the fight for gender equality.
“Measures like these are making a concrete difference in the lives of women and girls the world over. But we still have a long way to go to promote the rights of women, girls, transgender, non-binary, and two-spirit people, and make sure everyone has the same support, opportunities, and chance to succeed. That includes addressing the major disparities among women, and breaking down particular barriers still faced by Indigenous women, women of colour, trans women, queer women, women with disabilities, and others. Moving forward means working to make sure everyone’s rights are equally protected, and everyone’s voice is heard.
“Today, let’s celebrate the major achievements of women everywhere, and keep pushing for progress on gender equality. We all benefit when everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive – and we all have a role to play to make that a reality.”
The Prime Minister announces a change in the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
March 7, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following appointment to fill a vacancy in the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians:
The Honourable Diane Finley P.C., M.P. becomes a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, effective
March 7, 2019.
March 7, 2019.
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians is a multi-party committee that includes representatives from both the House of Commons and the Senate. It has the authority to review national security and intelligence activities carried out across the Government of Canada.
With this appointment, all seats on the Committee are now full.
Associated Links
