Should Fort Chipewyan be eligible for a food subsidy? NDP MP Dennis Bevington believes that the community should be eligible for a food subsidy program, and is working to get Fort Chipewyan included. Bevington said “I know from personal experience, people in Fort Chipewyan will take the time to drive all the way to Fort Smith in order to get a load of groceries. That’s a good three-hour drive.” It is no secret that residents in the community often struggle with high food prices, and there is no permanent road access. Both of these factors are qualifying criteria for the food subsidy program. Bevinton resides in Fort Smith, more than 225 kilometres north, but the NDP MP has visited Fort Chipewyan many times, and he has seen the effect of high food prices on the local community.
If Fort Chipewyan becomes eligible for the food subsidy program this would allow local food suppliers and retailers to offset food transportation costs by the receipt of public funds. The goal is to have the subsidy pass down to consumers, who will see lower food prices as a result. Bevington said “We’re after fairness in the system. If they’re entitled to some assistance in that pricing, then they should get it.” Fort McMurray-Cold Lake Liberal candidate Kyle Harrietha said “It’s not a $24 tomato…But the higher priced foods, particularly perishable items, lead to people making different choices than they would in Fort McMurray. Often times, it’s less healthy choices just because of the lack of availability. Any small or medium thing that we can do, including encouraging nutrition and making available more nutritious foods, is a good thing.”
