The Federal Government has appointed former Nunavut president Tunngik Incorporated (NTI), Aluki Kotierk, to supervise an external review of the Nutrition North subsidy.
Nutrition North is a subsidy program that aims to reduce the costs of delivery of perishable items and some non -food products to remote communities, where food can cost much more than in larger centers. Retailers receive the subsidy, which is supposed to be transmitted to the client.
The program has been very criticized recently, with accusations that retailers do not adequately transmit the savings.
Kotierk, who is from Iqaluit but grew in Igloolik, served two mandates as president of NTI. He previously occupied senior charges with the Nunavut government and is also a permanent member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Affairs
Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Indigenous Corona Relations and Northern Affairs (Cirnac), announced the Kotierk appointment during a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday.
“As Inuk and Norteño de Igloolik, Mrs. Kotierk brings exceptional knowledge and personal experience to this role,” said Anandasangaree.
“It is deeply committed to including Inuit culture and language in public programs and services, making sure they benefit Inuit communities.”
Kotierk said this is an important position that is delighted and honest to assume.
“In Nunavut, seven out of 10 children go to bed every night. We know that statistic, and it is unacceptable,” he said.
Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngikik Inc., which represents the Inuit of the territory, has been appointed by the federal government to direct an external review of the Nutrition North Canada program. It will investigate whether the subsidies to keep food prices low are reaching residents as planned.
Kotierk says his role will largely focus on finding ways to improve the program.
“I think there have been many questions about how subsidies have reached the consumer and it is really important that there is a review,” he said.
“I think my role will be to look at the current program and see if there is any way of being more efficient or more effective, or if there are other programs that would help support [and] Make sure the norths become nutritious and good food in a profitable way. “
Initially, the federal government doubted an external review, but finally announced in October that one would come this year. Cirnac is also currently in the process of assessing Nutrition North, which is expected to end in March.
A press release says that Kotierk will be independent of public service and will directly inform the Minister of Cirnac.
External review findings are expected to be delivered in a final report in 2026.
The announcement occurs immediately after possible collective demand
The announcement occurs shortly after Inuit de Nunavut and Nunavik filed a possible collective lawsuit against the Northwest company for taking advantage of the North Nutrition subsidy and not transmitting it to consumers.
The North West company directs retail stores, including 188 Northern stores and five Northmart stores throughout the north of Canada, according to its website.
When asked if the announcement was scheduled due to demand, Anandasangaree said “absolutely not.”
“This announcement has been in process for many months and this is an answer to a much broader set of problems we have heard,” he said.
In a statement sent by email, the deputy of Nunavut NDP Lori Idlout said Kotierk is very respected.
“I look forward to the improvements of their work. While the northern go bed hungry, the liberals were delayed and continued to give money to [the] North West Company and its millionaire executives, who are now being sued for not using the subsidy at lower prices, “he wrote.
Together with the announcement of Kotierk’s appointment, Anandasangaree said his department will contribute additional $ 20 million for Nutrition North subsidy. In 2024-25, the subsidy program had a budget of $ 144.8 million.
