Nunavut’s parliamentarian is calling on people in northern Labrador to complain directly to the federal government about what they say are inhumane food prices.
NDP MP Lori Idraut says a federal aid program that lowers food prices in remote Indigenous communities is failing to meet its goals and says people should complain to Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal.
In N.J., the cost of healthy food increased by 62% from 2011, when the Nutrition North subsidy program was introduced, to 2021. This is reported to be the highest increase among the regions eligible for the subsidy.
Photos on social media show the local Northern store charging $7.97 for cabbage and $21.49 for a 1.42-litre bottle of Crisco cooking oil, but the price was quoted by Nain resident Rosie. Harris has described it as “inhumane”.
Lynn Blackwood, food security program manager for the Inuit Nunasiavut government in northern Labrador, says the program is “clearly” not working, especially for the Nine.
She says the federal government is reviewing the program, but adjustments to subsidies are needed now to lower food prices.
A statement from the Ministry of Northern Affairs said a national increase in food prices and a 30% increase in fuel and transportation costs led to the increase in food prices in northern Labrador.
Officials reviewing the Northern Nutrition Plan will travel to Nain and Rigoletto, New Jersey, early next year to speak with elders and community members about the cost of food, the statement said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2024.
