Statement by the Honourable John Duncan Following Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s June 2012 Presidential Election

Ref. #2-3662

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 7, 2012) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today concerning the election of the new President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the newly elected President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Mr.Terry Audla.

I know Mr. Audla brings with him many years of experience working to advance Inuit issues, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. 

As the national voice for Inuit, ITK carries out an important role in the political, cultural and economic development of Inuit. I am pleased that, together, we are able to continue to make important progress on initiatives of mutual interest such as the Inuit Education Strategy and I look forward to future positive collaboration with ITK.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate outgoing ITK President, Mary Simon, for her two terms as President of ITK. Ms. Simon is a tireless advocate for Inuit and Inuit issues and I have truly enjoyed the opportunities I have had to meet with her since being appointed Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada in August 2010.”

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