Inuk Leader Aluki Kotierk Appointed to Lead External Review of Nutrition North Canada Program
Federal Government Enlists Former NTI President to Assess Northern Food Subsidy Initiative
The federal government has appointed Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), as the special representative to lead an external review of the Nutrition North Canada program. This initiative aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the subsidy program designed to reduce food costs in northern communities.
Mandate and Objectives
Kotierk’s mandate includes engaging with national and regional Indigenous organizations, retailers, transportation providers, and other stakeholders involved in the northern food supply chain. The goal is to gather insights and assess how well the Nutrition North program is meeting its objectives of making essential foods more affordable and accessible to residents of 124 isolated northern communities, including all 25 municipalities in Nunavut and 14 in Nunavik.
In a statement, Kotierk emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Northerners have the knowledge and experience to determine what works best for their communities.”
Background and Criticisms
Established in 2011, the Nutrition North Canada program provides subsidies to retailers to offset the high costs of transporting perishable foods to remote northern regions. However, the program has faced criticism over the years, with concerns that retailers may not be passing the full subsidy savings onto consumers. Some advocates, including Nunavut MP Lori Idlout, have suggested that funds should be directed to consumers rather than retailers to ensure the intended benefits reach those in need.
Next Steps
As an independent special representative, Kotierk will report directly to Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree. Her findings and recommendations are expected to inform potential reforms to enhance the program’s transparency, accountability, and overall effectiveness in addressing food insecurity in northern Canada.
Source : Swifteradio.com
