What does this mean for northerners?
Last week Etienne and I read an article pertaining to the foodmail program up here. I thought about writing a post about it then, but without having all the information I thought it would be better to wait until the official release came from the source. The first article that came last week, can be read here. I also came across this article. The second article is written by Mr. Graeme Dargo. He was appointed as the Minister’s Special Representative for the Food Mail Program review in August 2008. “This report is intended to provide independent information and advice to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Government of Canada who are familiar with the terminologies, policies and operations of the Food Mail Program.” There are some very valid points in the article. However, I do disagree with a few points as well.
Yesterday I read this article. This is the official release. We still don’t fully understand what the plan is with the foodmail program in the future.
For the “southerners” who don’t know much about the foodmail program, I’ll summarize a few things. (For those who know more than me, please feel free to correct anything I am incorrect on).
I little while ago there was research done on northern grocery retailers. This found out that stores are not offering subsidized food costs to customers. Through the foodmail program they are given a subsidy on fresh produce and meats to help lower selling costs. The local customers should be able to buy these products at a lower cost. This research discovered that the stores are in fact not offering lower prices. That is what sparked the upcoming change to the foodmail program.
For the last 40 years Canada Post has had a contract with the federal government, “which the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs used Canada Post to operate, retailers paid low, subsidized cargo rates to airlines contracted by Canada Post.” As of April 1, 2011, this program will no longer exist. They are going to work with the retailers in the communities, give them the subsidies and ensure they offer the lower prices to consumers. I agree that local retailers need to lower their prices for fresh items. Currently we are paying obscene amounts of money for dairy and produce. A 3-pound bag of yellow onions is costing us well over $10, compared to a few dollars in the south. The part that worries me is since we live in such a small community, the selection of produce is poor. Don’t get me wrong, I love potatoes, onions, carrots and celery as much as the next person, but sometimes I do enjoy eating cucumber, cantaloupe, and other items – unfortunately our stores don’t normally have these items. I use foodmail to order items that I cannot get locally. Meat selection is also not to our tastes. Currently most of the meats here are skin-on, bone-in meat. I much prefer skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Cuts are the less expensive kinds and some we just can’t get altogether (Ie – pork tenderloin). I know that I am being quite picky, but isn’t that what the foodmail program is for? To offer healthy, fresh options for the local residents? To me, meats with less fat, no skin and no bone are definitely a more healthy option. With the money going to the local retailers, we (hopefully) will will see an increase of selection offered in the stores.
Another point they talked about in the articles is that as of October this year they are going to “slim down” the current list of eligible items. I agree that there are a lot of items that aren’t particularly “healthy”. (IE – Bacon, frozen dinners, garlic bread, chip dips, etc). The list does need to be re-visited.
I am anxious to see how all this will pan out. It is definitely going to be big changes, and change isn’t always easy. So before I start getting frustrated and worried, I will wait to see what this all means. There are definitely some good points. On the other hand, there are a few things that have me a little concerned.
It might be good if everyone got together and voiced your concerns to the government before the final decision is made. Getting something changed back will probably take longer that you intend to be there. You are right, lean meats are a must. Good luck.
I believe the final decision is made. I’m sure there will be a transition period which will be open to suggestions/input/complaints, etc. Some changes are to take effect this coming October and it will all be in effect by April. We will definitely be here during the initial changes.
The variety is what I worry about too. We are lucky to have a butcher here so our meat selection is much better than most but the veggies are iffy at the best of times. I’m pretty sad about this decision…
I definitely think this will make it hard to get selection – our store is pretty good (as long as the manager is in town) but generally gets in the same thing week after week, so I order foodmail to get some different selections. And our meat is really lacking as well, which I guess is due to a lot of people in town eating country food and not buying a lot of meat, so we usually put in a large order every couple months for meat. I have a lot of doubt as to whether this will really affect the prices in the store, so for us, I don’t think it is a good change.
Thanks for posting Carly! I’m interested to see what the final result is and if there will be any way to keep ‘variety’ in our food… also to see if the stores will be required to work with residents in bringing in foods they request. We may have to get creative with rotten apples and metal meats in the future:)
Ouch! I can see your concern and I highly doubt the stores will lower costs as well. We lived in YK, which was the big city but I know you greatly depend on the food mail for better selection.
Gov’t is famous for doing exactly what shouldn’t because somebody did a research paper and got a promotion out of it!!
I’m really sorry and I hope you can get some good use out of it before it ends.
PS- I found you off of Clare’s blog!
If it does come to that, maybe you can put in your order with the local store. I can see that store owners wouldn’t stock a lot of items that the community in a whole doesn’t order. If the people in the community are willing to eat whale and caribou off the cardboard on the gym floor, then I highly doubt they are willing to pay extra to have the skin taken off their meat for them. Only spoiled southeners would require that.
I personally don’t buy any meat unless it is lean cuts and boneless/skinless. Anything other than that and I cut off more meat than I eat.