Ref. #2-3477
RANKIN INLET, NUNAVUT (March 17, 2011) - Mr. Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora (Ontario) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today that country foods will receive subsidies under Nutrition North Canada.
"Our Government remains committed to improving the well-being of Northerners," said Mr. Rickford."Having spent time living in the North, I realize the importance country foods have for Northerners from both a cultural and nutritional standpoint. That is why we have included subsidies for commercially produced country foods under Nutrition North Canada."
The communities of Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet hosted the Parliamentary Secretary for a two-day visit which included community engagement sessions focusing on Nutrition North Canada. This provided Mr. Rickford the opportunity to tour northern stores and food processing plants in both communities and listen to the views of Northerners.
Country foods are a vital source of nutrients and Northern consumers will benefit from increased access to these foods. Country foods processed by federally regulated plants in the North are eligible for retail subsidy under Nutrition North Canada. This subsidy supports more efficient distribution of country foods among eligible communities.
Nutrition North Canada is a new federal retail subsidy program that takes effect April 1, 2011 and will make nutritious, perishable foods accessible to Canadians living in isolated northern communities.
Nutrition North Canada - Bringing Fresh, Healthy Food to Northern Homes.
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