Frequently Asked Questions - Food Mail Program Review

Why is a review needed?
The Government is committed to the North and recognizes that access to healthy food at affordable prices is a significant factor in improving quality of life, nutrition and health in isolated Northern communities. Food Mail rates charged to shippers have not changed since 1993.  However, program costs have continued to increase due to fuel costs, population growth, changing food consumption patterns and an increase in the number of communities using the program. On average, program costs have increased 12 per cent per year.The Government is in the last phase of reviewing the Food Mail Program to find the most efficient and effective ways of meeting its primary objective of providing healthy and affordable food in isolated northern communities.

What does the review entail?
The Government is taking a broad approach, exploring a number of possible alternatives to meet the overall objective of providing healthy and affordable food in isolated northern communities. INAC officials are looking at all aspects of Food Mail, including procurement, transportation logistics, efficiency of the present subsidy and alternatives to the current air transportation subsidy.The review is now in its final stages. Over the coming months the INAC review team will be conducting consultations with Northern consumers, retailers, shippers and government officials on the findings of the Interim Food Mail Report and possible program alternatives. A final report will be prepared after these consultations and recommendations submitted to the Government in the Fall.

Why haven’t rates under the Food Mail Program changed since 1993-94?
Rates for Food Mail service have been maintained since 1993-94 to avoid increasing the cost of healthy perishable food and other essential items in isolated Northern communities where many people cannot afford a healthy diet and where the availability of traditional Aboriginal foods has also been of concern.

Are you changing rates now?
No. Rates will remain unchanged while the current review concludes.

How will you ensure people in isolated communities have access to healthy, affordable food?
Any changes made to the Food Mail Program as a result of the review will need to have a positive effect on the health and food security of individuals and families in the North.  The intention of the review is to look at how the Food Mail Program is meeting its objectives and how it can be improved.

When will the review be completed?
As part of the final phase of the review, over the coming months the INAC review team will be conducting consultations with Northern consumers, retailers, shippers and government officials on Food Mail research findings and possible program alternatives. A final report will be prepared after these consultations and recommendations will be submitted to the Government in the Fall.