Yukon MP to seek Nutrition North changes

Yukon Conservative MP Ryan Leef said he will push for changes to the federal Nutrition North food subsidy program, after he noticed high food prices in the fly-in community of Old Crow.

Leef said he shopped at Old Crow's only store during a visit to the community early this month, but he found that prices were too high and the fruits and vegetables were not of ideal quality.

The member of Parliament's grocery bill included $11 for a box of six Creamsicles and "$13 for a couple litres of Sunny Delight orange juice," he told CBC News.

Leef said the store's selection of fruits and vegetables showed the wear and tear of being shipped from Winnipeg a 3,050-kilometre journey by road and air.

"It's tough to find a bag of fruit where a good portion of the fruit isn't bruised or soft, and [it's] no different with the vegetables," he said in an interview.

The cost and condition of groceries in Old Crow has long been an issue, given the community is accessible only by air.

Earlier this year, the federal government officially changed how it subsidizes the cost of groceries in remote northern communities like Old Crow.

Ottawa replaced the Food Mail Program a subsidy on transportation costs with the Nutrition North Program, which provides a subsidy to grocery retailers, which in turn must make their own freight arrangements and pass the savings on to customers.

But many residents in Old Crow, a community of about 350, have complained that they are paying more for groceries and they have received less choice since Nutrition North came into effect in April.

Leef said he will present his observations when the Conservative government's northern caucus meets next month.

"They're interested in hearing solutions, which is exactly why I've been asked to provide a presentation on the needs of Old Crow and the challenges for Old Crow," he said.

Leef added that he will meet with Chief Norma Kassi of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Old Crow to discuss possible solutions in advance of his presentation.