New Food Mail Program Promising But Raises Concerns for Smaller Retailers Says National Inuit Leader Mary Simon

Friday May 21, 2010 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Inuit Leader Mary Simon called the changes to the renewed Food Mail Program announced by Minister Strahl today as long overdue and is encouraged that the federal government clearly realizes there is a legitimate need for this program and a serious need to have it revamped and improved. The ITK president did voice concerns for smaller retailers in the Arctic who may experience administrative difficulties with the new “Nutrition North Program”.

“In shifting the subsidy from a transport to a retailer/wholesaler one, care should be taken so that small independent retailers in Arctic communities are able to take practical advantage of the new program without being overburdened by program requirements”, stated Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Mary Simon. “This is a major change to the program, the first in 40 years and it must be clear that individual Inuit consumers will clearly benefit with improved access to nutritious and affordable foods, without creating any additional access problems in the Arctic.” President Simon further noted that with Canada Post now no longer in the process, this should mean that more funding resources will be redirected to improve the access, cost effectiveness, and quality of the foods for Inuit consumers.

“The priority users of the program should be well informed through the coming transition about how changes will improve and expand their access and how the government intends to effectively implement these changes”, urged President Simon. “By working together, my wish as well is that better quality food at a lower cost will be available to Inuit equitably across the Arctic so that we can address issues such as food security, which includes nutritious versus junk food and the basic fact that some Inuit are going hungry in our communities.”

Many of our previous concerns have been addressed in today's announcement. The statements made about accountability, making the subsidy very clear to consumers in posting prices is important. Changes should not damage Inuit commercial interests, including air carriers. The inclusion of country foods is a positive step, as well as the ability for individuals to make personal food orders under the program. The Advisory Board should be encouraged to include more country foods in the program. $1.5M for community-based nutrition initiatives, traditional harvesting, and processing skills development is also a welcome announcement.

The fact that an Advisory Board will be created composed of interested consumers was seen as a positive development, including the naming of the Chair, Elizabeth Copland, an Inuk from Arviat, Nunavut, with many years of experience, including as former mayor and long-time volunteer. “The Advisory Board will be very important to ensure there is representation of northern communities, flexibility in the list of eligible foods as well as reviewing and assessing how a country foods component can be expanded and implemented in the North,” concluded Mary Simon.