Evidence of meeting #38 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was food.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Terry Sheehan
Thank you very much.
The MP for Labrador has two minutes, and that will be the last of our question-and-answer period.
Liberal
Philip Earle Liberal Labrador, NL
Thank you.
Hello, Brian. I just want to say that I consider myself fortunate to call you a friend.
I'm going to try to get two questions in for all three of you.
The highest food cost in Canada is in Nunavut. Historically, the lowest fuel cost in Canada has been in Nunavut. Jet fuel is cheaper, gas is cheaper and diesel is cheaper. Could you tell us why you think that's so?
Business Development Manager, Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc.
My understanding is that the Government of Nunavut has something that covers all of the cost of delivery. Where it's not seen is in places like Nunavik, where there are much higher rates for fuel than anywhere in Nunavut.
My understanding is that the territorial government itself subsidizes part of the costs that are involved at the pump. They pay the distributor for the delivery of the fuel, and they buy the fuel. All of those are things the Government of Nunavut does, and that is not really seen anywhere other than maybe the NWT. I don't know what it's like in the Yukon, but in Nunavut, it's certainly PPD that covers all of those.
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Arctic Fresh Group
Sure.
It's also about buying in bulk. The Government of Nunavut goes out and buys in bulk and is able to negotiate a much better deal, and it's not so volatile to conflict and other things across social economics.
Liberal
Philip Earle Liberal Labrador, NL
Lastly, in 30 seconds—this is for one of you or both of you—do you see a way that we could integrate the airline freight service and the marine freight service to get better results for people who live in Nunavut?
Business Development Manager, Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc.
It's a great question.
We're very seasonal, but we also have a much shorter window. In terms of the airline, they have their challenges as well. All I can say is that from my experience working in both worlds, they each have their own specific challenges, and it would be difficult to integrate some of those things into how it all works, because they're so used to working in silos.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
Mr. Chair, can I just interrupt?
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
It's just for 20 seconds.
I just want to thank all the witnesses for coming today.
Brian and Inuaraq, I know it's very intimidating to sit in the hot seat, but you did a great job.
Thanks, Merlyn. Albert Netser sends his best. He says you're pretty good, so you're good in his stead.
Thank you, Chair, for having them today.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Terry Sheehan
Thank you very much. You just said what the chair needed to say.
Thank you very much. Chi-meegwetch.
We're going to suspend, and we're going to come back in camera and hopefully finish off the policing report.
[Proceedings continue in camera]