Former NTI president appointed to lead external review of Nutrition North
The federal government has appointed former Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) president Aluki Kotierk to oversee an external review of the Nutrition North subsidy. Nutrition North is a subsidy program designed to reduce the delivery costs of perishable items and some non-food products to remote communities where food prices are significantly higher than in larger centers. Retailers receive the subsidy, which is then meant to be passed on to consumers.
Recent criticisms of the program have raised concerns that retailers are not adequately passing on the savings to customers. Kotierk, a former president of NTI and a respected figure in the indigenous community, has been tasked with leading the review. With her background in government and advocacy for Inuit culture and language, Kotierk is well-equipped to address the challenges facing the Nutrition North program.
During a news conference in Ottawa, Gary Anandasangaree, minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC), announced Kotierk’s appointment, emphasizing her deep commitment to improving public programs for Inuit communities. Kotierk expressed her enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the urgency of addressing food insecurity in Nunavut, where seven out of 10 children go to bed hungry every night.
Kotierk’s focus will be on finding ways to enhance the program’s efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that northerners have access to nutritious food in a cost-effective manner. The federal government, initially hesitant about an external review, has agreed to proceed with an evaluation of Nutrition North. Kotierk’s findings are expected to be delivered in a final report by 2026.
The announcement of Kotierk’s appointment coincides with a potential class-action lawsuit filed by Inuit communities against the North West Company for allegedly misusing the Nutrition North subsidy. The North West Company operates numerous retail stores in northern Canada, including Northern and NorthMart stores. Anandasangaree denied any connection between the lawsuit and Kotierk’s appointment, stating that the decision was based on broader issues surrounding the program.
In response to the growing concerns, the federal government has allocated an additional $20 million towards the Nutrition North subsidy. This funding boost aims to address the ongoing challenges faced by remote communities in accessing affordable and nutritious food. With Kotierk at the helm of the external review, there is hope for meaningful improvements to the Nutrition North program and better support for northern residents.
