Aluki Kotierk Appointed to Lead External Review of Nutrition North Subsidy

Iqaluit,Nunavut – Aluki kotierk,the former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI),has been selected to spearhead an external review of the Nutrition North subsidy program. Announced Tuesday in Ottawa by Gary Anandasangaree, minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC), this initiative aims to assess and improve the program designed to lower the costs of perishable and essential non-food items in remote northern communities. The program faces increasing scrutiny regarding whether retailers are adequately passing subsidy savings to consumers, making this review especially timely.

The Nutrition North program, a crucial subsidy initiative, is designed to alleviate the high cost of living in remote northern communities. It operates by providing subsidies to retailers, who are expected to pass those savings on to consumers. However,the effectiveness of this system has been questioned,wiht allegations that the intended price reductions are not consistently reaching those who need them most. The external review led by kotierk seeks to address these concerns and ensure the program fulfills its intended purpose.

Kotierk’s Background and Expertise

Aluki Kotierk, an Inuk from Iqaluit who was raised in Igloolik, brings extensive experience to the role. she served two terms as president of NTI, an institution representing the inuit of Nunavut. Her background also includes senior positions within the government of Nunavut and her current role as a standing member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This deep understanding of the challenges faced by northern communities makes her uniquely qualified to lead this critical review.

Minister Anandasangaree emphasized Kotierk’s qualifications during the announcement in Ottawa:

“As an Inuk and northerner from Igloolik, Ms.Kotierk brings extraordinary knowledge and personal experience to this role.”

Gary Anandasangaree, minister of Crown-indigenous Relations and Northern affairs (CIRNAC)

Anandasangaree further added, highlighting Kotierk’s commitment to cultural inclusion:

“She’s deeply committed to including Inuit culture and language in public programs and services, making sure they benefit Inuit communities.”

Gary Anandasangaree, minister of crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC)

Kotierk expressed her dedication to addressing food insecurity in the North upon accepting the appointment:

“In Nunavut, seven out of 10 children go to bed hungry every night.We certainly know that statistic, and it’s unacceptable.”

Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

Focus of the External Review

Kotierk’s primary focus will be on identifying areas for improvement within the Nutrition North program. She aims to determine how to ensure that subsidies effectively reach consumers and contribute to more affordable and nutritious food options in the North. The review will involve a comprehensive assessment of the program’s current structure, implementation, and impact on northern communities.

Kotierk elaborated on her objectives:

“I think there’s been a lot of questions about how the subsidies have actually reached the consumer and it’s really crucial that there be a review.”

Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

She further explained her role in assessing the program’s effectiveness:

“I think my role will be to look at the current program and see if there’s any ways it could become more efficient or more effective — or if there’s other programs that would help support [and] ensure that northerners get nutritious, good food in a cost-effective manner.”

Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

While the federal government initially hesitated to conduct an external review, it was ultimately announced in October. CIRNAC is also conducting its own evaluation of Nutrition North, with results expected in March. Kotierk will operate independently of the public service and report directly to the CIRNAC minister. The final report with the review’s findings is expected in 2026.

Timing and Context

The announcement of Kotierk’s appointment follows closely on the heels of a potential class-action lawsuit filed by Inuit from Nunavut and Nunavik against the North West Company.The lawsuit alleges that the company exploited the Nutrition North subsidy without passing the benefits on to consumers. the North West Company operates numerous retail stores across northern Canada, including 188 Northern stores and five NorthMart stores.

When questioned about the timing of the announcement in relation to the lawsuit, Anandasangaree denied any connection:

“Absolutely not. This announcement has been in the works for many months and this is a response to a much broader set of issues that we’ve heard.”

Gary Anandasangaree, minister of Crown-indigenous relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC)

Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout acknowledged Kotierk’s respected standing in an emailed statement, adding, “I look forward to the improvements from her work.While Northerners go to bed hungry, the Liberals delayed and kept giving money to [the] North West Company and their millionaire executives — who are now being sued for not using the subsidy to lower prices.”

Along with Kotierk’s appointment, Anandasangaree announced an additional $20 million in funding for the Nutrition North subsidy. The program’s budget for 2024-25 was $144.8 million.

Conclusion

Aluki Kotierk’s appointment to lead the external review of Nutrition North marks a significant step toward addressing the critical issue of food affordability and accessibility in northern communities. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by northerners, Kotierk is well-positioned to identify and implement improvements to the program, ensuring that it effectively serves its intended purpose of providing nutritious and affordable food to those who need it most. The findings of the review, expected in 2026, will be crucial in shaping the future of food security in the North.