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NUNAVUT
How the new Nutrition North program would benefit residents and subsidy levels on country foods were the main questions MLAs asked during a special full caucus meeting in Iqaluit.

Ron Elliott: Quttiktuq MLA says complaints on Nutrition North come from all across the territory. - NNSL file photo

Stephen Van Dine, director general for devolution and territorial relations with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Wilf Wilcox, a Nutrition North Canada advisory board member, appeared before the full caucus at the Legislative Assembly on Oct. 25.

Tununiq MLA Joe Enook asked how the average person benefits from the program. It is more difficult for an individual to place a food order because of the high transportation costs, he stated. Air carriers will not agree to provide a subsidy or lower the cost to a single person, said Enook.

"It's one of the most difficult issues for an average citizen to make an agreement with the air carrier whereas the retail stores have a lot of clout," he stated.

Van Dine responded: "It does encourage competition among airline providers to give and compete for business and shipping. Certainly, individuals are disadvantaged in terms of the kinds of things that are available to larger purchasers, such as stores and retailers. That is a matter for the airline industry to focus on, for sure."

Kugluktuk MLA Peter Taptuna asked if they are considering increasing the subsidy rate for country foods to ensure people who are less fortunate can access to nutritious food.

Wilcox said all the comments about country food at the meeting will reinforce its importance.

"It's actually hearing all the comments regarding country food and the importance of it (that) will help the Nutrition North Canada advisory board to prioritize how we can meet expectations," he stated.

Nattilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk asked if the federal government is trying to be a retail outlet as it is dictating what food one can purchase and setting a rate for the freight costs.

"The administrators of this program are dictating to the communities what to purchase but this does not assist the communities. It has no benefit accruing to the communities," she stated.

Van Dine stated raising awareness about the program's benefits in the communities is an area they will work on so residents understand the level of subsidy coming and and the prices they can expect as a result.

Outside the legislature chamber, Enook said in his opinion and that of his constituents, the program has not been helpful, especially when it comes to individuals.

"Personally, I don't find them very reassuring, especially when it comes to the needs of individuals," he said. "I think it's a great system for the big retailers, but unfortunately I think it needs a lot of work to become effective and really do what it's supposed to do to all of Nunavummiut, and that is to try and reduce the cost of food."

Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott said having the meeting televised across Nunavut is an excellent way for residents to understand how the program works because a lot of misconceptions exist.

"I would say there are very helpful because one of the reasons why we wanted to do this exercise was to find out, one, in terms of the advisory board, how quickly they can respond," he said.

He added all MLAs are participating and have received concerns from their consituents.

"To me, that's how the federal government will know there is a concern or a problem or challenges with the way the program is running now," said Elliott. "If it's only one or two MLAs (who) are actually doing most of the conversation, then you question whether it's an issue across Nunavut."

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