Archived - Nutrition North Canada

Name of horizontal initiative: Nutrition North Canada

Name of lead department(s): Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Lead department program: Northern Governance and People

Start date of the horizontal initiative: April 1, 2011

End date of the horizontal initiative: On-going

Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $315,927,825^{Footnote 1} over five years

Description of the horizontal initiative (including funding agreement): The objective of AANDC's food subsidy program is to help make perishable, nutritious food more accessible and affordable for residents of isolated northern communities without year-round marine or road access.

Registered retailers in the North, country food processors/distributors located in eligible communities, and food suppliers in the South who supply small retailers, institutions and individuals in these isolated communities, can apply for a subsidy based on the weight of eligible foods shipped by air to eligible northern communities. These subsidies are to be passed on to northern consumers by appropriate reductions in the selling prices of eligible foods. The Nutrition North Canada Program — National Manual will govern the terms of the funding agreements with AANDC's subsidy recipients (northern and southern retailers/wholesalers).

Since price is not the only factor that influences consumption, the Program will also be supported by targeted Health Canada initiatives that encourage the purchase, preparation and consumption of healthy foods. Funding will flow to communities via contribution agreements with Aboriginal communities and organizations, and/or territorial governments.

Shared outcome(s): By making perishable, nutritious foods more accessible and affordable than they otherwise would be, consumption of these foods in the North may increase, thereby contributing to better overall health of the population, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. It is expected that the subsidy will help lower the prices of perishable, nutritious foods in the North. In combination with complementary health promotion activities, it is expected that consumption of these foods will increase in the short- and mid-term. In the longer term, more individuals living in eligible communities are expected to adopt healthier eating patterns, which will contribute to decreases in the rates of chronic and infectious diseases.

Governance structure(s): The Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board gives Northerners a direct voice in the Program. The Board provides information and advice to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to help guide the direction and activities of the Program, and to ensure that northern residents receive its full benefits. Members of the Board collectively represent the perspectives and interests of northern residents and communities in relation to the management and effectiveness of the Program. Members serve in their own right, as volunteers and not as representatives of any particular organization, area or special interest. Members are appointed to a three-year term.

Planning highlights: The Nutrition North Canada Program supports access to perishable, nutritious foods by providing a retail subsidy for eligible products. It supports the work of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board to ensure that the perspectives and interests of northern residents and communities are considered in the management of the Program. In addition, the Program educates residents in eligible communities about nutrition and healthy eating to transfer the skills to choose and prepare nutritious foods.

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners if applicable: Not Applicable