Iqaluit, Nunavut
March 9, 2011
Check against delivery
Thank you for that kind introduction. Good morning. Thank you all for being here today.
Last Spring, our Government announced the implementation of Nutrition North Canada on April 1, 2011. Nutrition North Canada is aimed at bringing healthy, affordable food to Northern homes. It is a food retail subsidy program that provides the highest subsidy to the most nutritious perishable foods such as fruits, vegetables, bread, fresh meats, milk and eggs.
We also announced last fall the creation of a Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board. This Board is made up of Northerners who serve as a direct voice for all Northerners to this new program. Members provide important information and advice that help guide the management and activities of this program. I have, and continue to be in contact with board members, to listen to their feedback and advice. This Board is an important part of Nutrition North Canada because it will ensure Northerners have their voices heard.
I want to be clear this government is listening to Northerners and consumers. We made changes to this program to ensure Northerners benefit from nutritious, affordable food.
As the Prime Minister said our government is listening and if changes are needed we will make them to ensure people's needs are being met and that this program is effective and benefits Northerners. That's why we are here today.
Our Government has heard what Northerners have to say and we recognize that they want more time to adjust to the Nutrition North Canada program.
Northerners told us that while the new program is sound and moves in the right direction they need more time to adjust to the big change it entails.
As a result, I am pleased to be here with you in the North to announce today that the list of foods eligible for the retail subsidy will be expanded until October 2012.
Extending the date to Fall 2012 will allow for two more cycles of sea-lift, which will ensure a smooth transition to Nutrition North Canada.
At the same time, this Government is continuing to explore additional options to assist retailers and suppliers in adjusting to the new program.
These adjustments to Nutrition North Canada will be reviewed in consultation with the Advisory Board.
I intend to meet with the Board in the coming months to obtain their feedback on our ongoing efforts to listen to Northerners and, should it be required, make additional adjustments.
Thank you.
