[Witness speaks in Inuktitut]
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for the opportunity, by the way, to speak to you today.
Nunavut Tunngavik represents the Inuit who live primarily in Nunavut territory in 25 communities and three time zones across Canada’s Arctic. Almost 50% of the Nunavut population is under the age of 25 and pose much youthful promise, yet according to the 2008 Inuit children’s health survey, over 60% of Nunavut households are moderately to severely food insecure, meaning they do not have enough food for regular sufficient meals. Often they do not eat for days.
You know food security is a human right and a government obligation under international law, so it is a bit shocking and an embarrassment to this great nation, Canada, which is so blessed with so much, to have to report to a parliamentary standing committee that there is widespread real hunger in Nunavut. Please know that Nunavut Tunngavik fully supports the government’s effort to improve its food subsidy program, as every penny of the subsidy should go directly to the people who need it to offset the high cost of food.
We have five main recommendations regarding the Nutrition North Canada program.
First, to ensure the NNC meets the needs of Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik must be an active participant in developing and adjusting the program over time. As a representative of Nunavut Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik is best placed to notice things that are elemental to the success of the program, such as what should be on the list of eligible items, how a country food element should or could be developed, and how Health Canada nutrition messaging should be developed and disseminated.
Contrary to article 32 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, INAC has not engaged NTI to participate in the design and development of the NNC. In fact, INAC has not consulted at all with Nunavut Tunngavik on the NNC since May 2009. INAC prepared the eligibility list and country food subsidy in isolation, and currently INAC is preparing a communications plan without NTI input. I have learned about this only through a northern newspaper, by the way.
At the same time, Inuit in the communities have little or no information on NNC, even though they are already being affected by it. This should and must be changed. INAC and Health Canada must partner with NTI on the details of the eligibility list, accountability to consumers, communication, and other matters. After April of 2011, INAC and Health Canada should publish quarterly reports and meet with Nunavut Tunngavik regularly to discuss adjustment to the program.
Second, it must be absolutely certain that every subsidy dollar is being passed on to the consumer. NTI is very concerned that INAC has not shared the details of a proposed accountability mechanism. INAC’s internal control mechanism must be fully transparent so that there is complete public confidence that, regardless of the retailer, all the subsidies flow to the consumer.
Third, there must be an effective country food subsidy program. NTI welcomes the concept of subsidies to allow greater distribution and consumption of country food across Nunavut. However, most Inuit do not buy commercially produced country food, so the NNC country food component does not generally work for Inuit. When Inuit harvest, they often share the food both locally and across communities. In today’s Arctic, sharing networks are spread across thousands of kilometres because foods like char, caribou, narwhal, and beluga are not evenly distributed or are not available in some of the areas. INAC should continue to explore, in partnership with Inuit, how it should or could subsidize intercommunity trade in country foods.
Fourth, Inuit must not suffer because of price increases resulting from NNC. There is a real possibility that the prices of many items will increase dramatically in coming months. Because of sealift timing, storage, and other issues, retailers have not necessarily adequately stocked newly non-eligible items through other transportation methods. Interim subsidies must be available immediately to alleviate impacts on Inuit, while retailers adjust their procurement processes to reflect the NNC policy shifts.
Finally, ongoing NNC funding must be adequate to meet the needs of Inuit for affordable store-bought foods. While stable funding is important, costs will continue to increase every year. There are many cost unknowns at this time. To avoid a funding shortfall, mechanisms for ensuring adequate funding and funding adjustments over time must be built into the NNC.
Thank you. Qujannamiik. Merci.