The global food crisis wreaking havoc on the world’s poorest nations is also taking its toll on Canada’s most remote northern communities.
Why it matters: Nunavut already faces the highest level of food insecurity in Canada (57% of households as of 2018), and soaring food costs are putting even more people at risk.
- Food prices are so high because Nunavut relies on bi-weekly food airlifts for fresh food, and annual cargo ship dropoffs for packaged and non-perishable items.
- In the capital of Iqaluit, bags of cherries recently sold for $21, while six-packs of bottled water cost $19—double the average price in Canada’s provinces.
In the past, these high food prices have been partially offset by annual salaries that are also higher than the national average, but wages haven’t kept up with inflation. Now, prices are off the charts for the average resident and unaffordable for anyone in between jobs.
Bottom line: The federal and territorial governments have put money into food vouchers and food hamper programs, but its long-term investments in infrastructure that are needed.