Minister Anandasangaree Appoints Aluki Kotierk to Lead External Review of Nutrition North Canada
Ottawa, ON – February 25, 2025 (19:24 ET) – In a move hailed by some as a potential turning point for the controversial program, Minister of Indigenous Services, Gary Anandasangaree, today announced the appointment of Aluki Kotierk to lead an external review of Nutrition North Canada (NNC). The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about the program’s effectiveness in addressing food insecurity in remote northern communities.
Kotierk, a prominent Inuk leader with a distinguished career in public service and advocacy for Indigenous rights, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her background includes [This space is to be filled with relevant details about Aluki Kotierk’s background, e.g., former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), experience in community development, or specific expertise in food security in the Arctic. Example: “Her background includes serving as the former President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), the organization responsible for representing Inuit under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and a proven track record in advocating for improved healthcare and food security policies for northern communities.”]
“Access to affordable and nutritious food is a fundamental right, and the current realities in many northern communities are simply unacceptable,” stated Minister Anandasangaree during a press conference held earlier this evening. “Ms. Kotierk’s expertise and deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by northern residents make her exceptionally qualified to lead this crucial review. I am confident that her findings will provide us with valuable insights and actionable recommendations to improve the program’s impact.”
The Scope of the Review:
The external review, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will encompass a comprehensive assessment of Nutrition North Canada. According to the terms of reference released alongside the announcement, the review will specifically examine:
- Effectiveness of Subsidy Rates: A critical analysis of the current subsidy rates applied to eligible foods and other essential items, considering factors like transportation costs, local market conditions, and inflation. The review will determine if the current rates are adequately reflecting the true cost of providing nutritious food in the North.
- Program Governance and Transparency: An examination of the governance structure of NNC, including the roles and responsibilities of the federal government, retailers, communities, and other stakeholders. This will include assessing the transparency and accountability of the program’s administration.
- Impact on Food Security and Nutrition: An assessment of the program’s overall impact on food security and nutritional outcomes in eligible northern communities. This will involve analyzing data on food consumption patterns, health indicators, and community-level perceptions of the program.
- Alternative Models and Best Practices: Exploration of alternative models and best practices for addressing food insecurity in remote northern communities, drawing on lessons learned from other jurisdictions and innovative approaches.
- Community Engagement and Consultation: A commitment to extensive engagement and consultation with northern communities, including Indigenous governments, organizations, and individuals, to ensure that the review reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of those most affected by the program. This will involve community visits, surveys, and consultations.
Reactions to the Announcement:
The appointment of Aluki Kotierk has been met with mixed reactions. While many have expressed cautious optimism, some remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to implementing meaningful change.
[This section should include quotes from various stakeholders, such as:]
- Opposition Critics: What concerns or criticisms do they have about the program and the review process? Do they believe the review is genuinely independent? Are they calling for specific changes?
- Indigenous Leaders: How do Indigenous leaders and organizations view the appointment of Kotierk? Are they hopeful that the review will lead to concrete improvements? What specific issues do they want addressed?
- Northern Retailers: What are the perspectives of northern retailers involved in the program? Do they have concerns about the current subsidy model or program administration? Are they willing to participate in the review process?
- Community Members: Include anecdotal reactions from individuals living in northern communities eligible for NNC, highlighting their lived experiences with food insecurity and their expectations for the review. (e.g., “I hope this review actually listens to us… we need lower prices on healthy foods, not just pop and chips.”)
Background on Nutrition North Canada:
Nutrition North Canada was introduced in 2011, replacing the former Food Mail Program. The program aims to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable in eligible northern communities by providing subsidies to retailers who ship eligible items. However, the program has faced criticism for its effectiveness, transparency, and impact on traditional food sources. Concerns have also been raised about the high cost of living in the North, the availability of healthy food options, and the cultural appropriateness of the program.
Looking Ahead:
The external review led by Aluki Kotierk represents a significant opportunity to re-evaluate Nutrition North Canada and develop more effective and sustainable solutions to address food insecurity in the North. The success of the review will depend on the government’s willingness to listen to the perspectives of northern communities, embrace innovative approaches, and commit to implementing meaningful change. The findings and recommendations from the review are expected to inform future policy decisions and program adjustments, ultimately aiming to ensure that all northern residents have access to affordable and nutritious food.
Minister Anandasangaree appoints Aluki Kotierk to lead external review of Nutrition North Canada
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