Lori Idlout
Lori Idlout is a Canadian politician who has served as member of parliament for the riding of Nunavut in the House of Commons of Canada since 2021. She is a member of the New Democratic Party.
Life and career
Idlout was raised with three siblings and grew up in an area of the Northwest Territories now part of Nunavut) as a child. Her family moved between the communities of Igloolik, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, and Chesterfield Inlet. Idlout spent the most time in Igloolik, and currently resides there.Idlout is the mother to three sons, Nastania, Samuel and Robin, and four daughters, Samantha, Jo-Anne, Crystal and Mylena.
Idlout received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Lakehead University in 1997, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa.
Between 2004 and 2011, Idlout served as the executive director of the Nunavut Embrace Life Council, a not-for-profit organization committed to suicide prevention. Idlout's time as its executive director saw expansion to its services and securing a budget to address issues of mental health. Idlout had previously worked for Nunavut's Department of Health and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as a policy analyst, and was the founder of Coalition of Nunavut DEAs as a director of the Iqaluit District Education Authority in order to advocate for educational services.
Before her election, Idlout practiced law in Iqaluit with her own firm, Qusugaq Law. She represented the group protesting against the Baffinland Iron Mine's expansion, as well as serving as the technical adviser for the Ikajutit Hunters and Trappers Organization during a public hearing on the issue.
Political career
Idlout's nomination meeting vote was tied with Inuk educational YouTuber Aliqa Illauq. On August 10, 2021, Idlout secured the NDP nomination to run as their candidate for the riding of Nunavut by a coin toss, a first for the territory. She was elected to succeed outgoing MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq in the 2021 Canadian federal election, who did not seek re-election after one term in Parliament.She was narrowly re-elected in the 2025 federal election. In January 2026, Idlout stated that she considered crossing the floor and joining the Liberal Party; she ultimately declined to do so.
Policy positions
Idlout told Carol Off of CBC Radio's As It Happens that she intended to work on shifting the balance between the federal government and the people of Nunavut. She discussed that while the federal government wished to acquire Nunavut's resources, she wanted to "get the federal government to realize that can negotiate... in a position of power." Idlout stated she wanted to see the territory benefit more from the ongoing mining and exploration conducted within its land.During her campaign, Idlout prioritized on youth engagement within the electoral process. She raised the issue of youth empowerment within her election tour.
Housing and infrastructure
Idlout stated her utmost priority was addressing the housing crisis in the North, which included more housing as well as housing quality and renovation; addressing the mold crisis that many houses had. Idlout acknowledged the adverse health outcomes that came as a result of poor living conditions and as a result of mold and the disproportionate effects it would have on the elderly. She expressed her concern that the incumbent Liberal government would fail to properly address the housing situation in the North, stating Trudeau "promised more housing funds for the last six years".Idlout stated she intended to work with the government for further infrastructure upgrades, including rural broadband and improvement for airports within the territory.