OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 28, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today the appointment of Elisabeth Cayen as the newest member of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board.
“The Harper Government is pleased that Mrs. Cayen has agreed to serve as a member of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board,” said Minister Duncan. “Mrs. Cayen has a wide range of community experience and a passion for the North that will help guide her in this role.”
The goal of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board is to provide advice to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development on the management of the Nutrition North Canada (NNC) program.
“Nunavummiut are strong users of the NNC program, said Wilfred Wilcox, Chair of the NNC Advisory Board. “The addition of another board member from Nunavut will be an asset to the Board as we continue to provide advice to the Minister based on feedback we receive from community members across the North.”
The Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board recently visited the community of Nain, Labrador, where they met with residents to hear their views on the northern food subsidy program. Mrs. Cayen will be an important part of the Board moving forward as she helps to ensure that the views of Nunavummiut are reflected in the program’s management.
The members of the NNC Advisory Board represent a wide range of northern perspectives and interests and meet several times a year in-person and by teleconference. The next northern public meeting will be scheduled in the spring of 2013.
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.
