Nunavut MP Lori Idlout is repeating her calls for Ottawa to extend a funding program for Inuit children.

The Inuit Child First Initiative was introduced in 2019 to ensure Inuit kids have access to health and social services without having to leave their communities.

The federal government began with a $220-million commitment to the program, before topping it up for two more years with another $167.5 million.

But the program is slated to sunset at the end of March.

Idlout said more than 13,000 children in Nunavut are enrolled in the program, which gives families $500 per child to help buy food, plus another $250 for kids younger than four.

SA国际影视传媒淲hile the impact (of the program) was positive for the most part, helping lift many people out of poverty, a sudden stop to the program will be devastating,SA国际影视传媒� Idlout told The Canadian Press.

SA国际影视传媒淎t the very least, the government should extend the program by one year and communicate what they plan to do after one year, extend or replace the program.SA国际影视传媒�

Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu was unavailable for an interview Wednesday.

In a statement issued to The Canadian Press, her office said the government is looking for a long-term plan for the program.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Liberal government is committed to the Inuit Child First Initiative and implementing a long-term approach with Inuit partners,SA国际影视传媒� wrote Jennifer Kozelj, HajduSA国际影视传媒檚 press secretary.

SA国际影视传媒淭he renewal and continuation of (the program) depends on supply being approved through Parliament.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒擝y The Canadian Press