Calculating and comparing the cost of food in communities such as Sachs Harbour — it’s a large centre — can often be complex and tedious. Various models can be used along with certain programs. However, results of these are always the same: it is impossible for an average family in Nunakput in the NWT on an average income to practise healthy eating.
Mr. Speaker, my region of Nunakput is by far the most expensive in the region. If it comes to the cost of eating healthy — the situation being equal dollar for dollar — people in Nunakput live in poverty conditions more than any other riding in the Northwest Territories because of this high cost of food. This has to change.
While travelling through my region, I see many people at the airport stuffing their bags full of groceries even after paying $5.77 per kilogram for excess baggage. This means that a carton of milk costs $4 in Inuvik, and in the communities it would be $10. Other purchase options such as food mail possess a unique set of challenges and costs. I think this is a great shame, for many of our elders in Nunakput have to choose between food or various health care related expenses.
While visiting elders across Nunakput, I see a growing trend: empty cupboards and refrigerators in our great territory. This is unacceptable. Many communities in the North have food banks and alternative access to healthy eating. We are not so fortunate in my small communities. As I have mentioned during our previous sittings, the cost of living in Nunakput is around 81 per cent higher than in Yellowknife, but when it comes to specific consumables necessary for healthy living, the difference can be as high as 300 per cent.
This government has a choice. Are we going to treat those who are in small isolated communities the same when it comes to tackling active, healthy living? Mr. Speaker I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
The large community and small isolated communities are the same. Has it come to active living barriers, or is this government going to seriously implement realistic measures to obtain affordable, accessible and reliable food for all Northerners? We owe this to our elders, our residents and our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
