The Inuit of Nunavik are paying so much for food that households run out of food two to four times a month, says Makivik Corp.
Makivik called on the federal government to increase its northern food subsidies, instead of making more cutbacks as planned. The call came at House of Commons hearings into the subsidies held on Oct. 25.
Makivik’s position was backed up by CreeCo., which also criticized government plans to cut back the subsidy.
Already, the subsidy has been slashed from $19 million in 1986 to $14.9 million last year. The value of the subsidy was further eroded by inflation and the fact that the money is now spread over more people as the northern population has grown. In 1989, the subsidy was worth $1,600 per Inuk. In 1994 it amounted to only $490.
Ottawa has even suggested it might like to eliminate the program entirely, despite the fact that food in the north costs two to three times more than in the south. Food costs in the north are also rising about two times faster than in the south.
Makivik also noted that cuts to the food subsidy would hurt poorer people especially hard, particularly Elders, unemployed hunters, people with disabilities and private sector employees who usually earn less than public servants in the north.
What’s more, any cutback would come on top of big rent increases that will hit Nunavik residents as of January 1, 1995.
The average salary for Nunavik residents with jobs was $14,500 last year before taxes.
