Mr. Speaker, we do indeed recognize the hardships faced by Inuit and by all residents in Nunavut and indeed across the north, where the cost of food and the cost of basic necessities continue to pose real challenges, particularly for families. In Nunavut alone, 42% of children live in poverty. That is the highest rate in Canada. I know that behind these statistics are real lives and real struggles.
Just this past weekend, I had the good fortune to travel to Old Crow, mainly on the theme of the devastating loss of Chinook and chum salmon in the Porcupine River, part of the Yukon River system. In addition to the effect that has on the community's food supply, it also means significant losses over the decades to the culture and the very identity and heritage of the Gwich’in people. There is much work to do there together to restore the salmon to even a fraction of its former abundance.
While there, we also visited the local co-op store and had a chance to see some of the high food prices, even with the northern food subsidy that is applied to a variety of foods there. Everything in Old Crow has to be flown in. This is one more example where addressing food insecurity takes concerted effort and collaboration among indigenous partners, all governments, self-governing first nations and the Government of Canada.
Our government is addressing food insecurity in the north through nutrition north Canada, which includes retail subsidies, the harvesters support grant and the community food programs fund, as well as the Inuit child first initiative, which my colleague referred to. Each has a distinct role in supporting food security and family well-being in Inuit communities. Nutrition north Canada's subsidy helps lower the price of food and essential items. Last year, the program's retail subsidy was just under $145 million. It increases by roughly 5% annually.
To better meet the needs of northerners, in February 2025, Aluki Kotierk was appointed as the minister's special representative to lead a review of NNC and produce a report. Her report will be really important to inform reforms to the program. To inform the review, retailers, suppliers, local growers, food producers and charitable organizations participating must show how the subsidy reduces costs for consumers.
The harvesters support grant is another way that food security is being addressed. It supports traditional hunting, harvesting and food-sharing activities in isolated communities while reinforcing cultural practices. This is about food autonomy and food security. Wherever I go in the north, the harvesters support grant receives a lot of positive feedback, and I believe that there are many more communities that could benefit from it.
There is a lot to describe. I will conclude for now by saying that while progress has been made, we recognize that a lot more needs to be done to address systemic challenges in the north. We remain committed to working with Inuit, territorial and community partners to build lasting and locally driven solutions.