A federal New Democratic motion that pushed for reforms to the Nutrition North program has failed to pass in the House of Commons.
The motion called on the federal government to stop delaying reforms to Nutrition North, force big grocery chains and suppliers to lower the prices of essential foods, and ending what it termed “Liberal and Conservative corporate handouts to big grocers.”
It failed to pass last week with 26 MPs voting in favour – 23 NDP, one Liberal and two Green – and 286 opposed.
NDP Nunavut MP Lori Idlout supported the motion while Liberal MPs Brendan Hanley and Michael McLeod, representing the Yukon and NWT respectively, were opposed.
“The government has an obligation to make things fair for people, but Indigenous and northern communities are being ripped off at the grocery till,” Idlout stated in a press release.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“All the while, the North West Company received $67 million in subsidies from the Nutrition North program last year from the Liberals. There are serious allegations that this money is padding the pockets of the CEO instead of helping families afford food.”
Nutrition North is a federal subsidy that flows through grocers and is intended to reduce high food costs in the North.
The North West Company, which operates NorthMart and Northern stores, has been accused of failing to pass the full subsidy on to northern customers – as required – while continuing to record significant profits.
A study published last year found for every dollar paid to retailers through Nutrition North, the average retail price fell just 67 cents. The study said the amount of the subsidy passed on to customers was 18 to 69 cents lower in communities with just one store, which in most cases was operated by North West.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Dan McConnell, the company’s chief executive officer, has insisted North West passes 100 percent of Nutrition North dollars it receives on to customers.
Northern affairs minister Dan Vandal has said Nutrition North is being reviewed internally.
The minister promised a subsequent external review once that is complete and committed to ensuring subsidies are fully passed on to northern residents.
Related Articles
Credit: Source link