High Food Prices in Canada's North Causing Hardship, Questions Around Government Subsidies

Food prices in Canada's North are very high, with basic items like olive oil selling for over $35 per bottle. This is causing food insecurity for many northern residents.

There are allegations that the dominant northern grocery retailer, North West Company, is inflating prices beyond rising costs and not fully passing on federal subsidies meant to keep prices low.

Questions surround the federal Nutrition North subsidy program and whether retailers are passing the full subsidy to consumers to lower prices. One study found only 67 cents per dollar goes to consumers.

Remote Indigenous communities are looking at ways to improve food security themselves, such as community buying programs and traditional harvesting initiatives. This could create more competition and lower prices.

Northern residents like Nora Jean Omand are struggling to feed their families on limited budgets. Some drive hours to buy cheaper groceries in southern cities when possible.