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Government of Canada Moves Forward on Food Mail Program Review

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Ottawa, Ontario (April 22, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today released two reports and announced next steps in the final stages of the comprehensive review of the Food Mail Program.

“Our Government knows that Northerners living in isolated communities need access to healthy food at affordable prices,” said Minister Strahl. “These reports on the Food Mail Program will help guide our discussions with Northerners on exploring long-term, sustainable solutions for meeting that objective.”

The Food Mail Program provides an air transportation subsidy to reduce the cost of shipping nutritious food and other essential items to Northern communities that have no year-round road, rail or marine service.

The INAC Interim Report on the Food Mail Program provides a synopsis of research findings to date on issues related to the existing Program, including current challenges and alternative options. The Food Mail Program Review: Findings and Recommendations of the Minister’s Special Representative reflects the findings of Mr. Graeme Dargo following his meetings with Food Mail stakeholders.

Over the next several months, the Food Mail Program Review team will conduct consultations with Northern consumers and stakeholders on the two Food Mail review reports and possible alternatives to a transportation subsidy. While the review continues, current Food Mail shipping rates will remain unchanged.

Today’s announcement supports the Government’s integrated Northern Strategy, which aims to strengthen Arctic sovereignty, protect the North’s environmental heritage, promote social and economic development, and improve and devolve Northern governance.

Inuktitut (120 Kb, 2 Pages)