Country food shipping program proves successful

July 23, 2012 – Kanata, ON. Today, Qikiqtani First Aviation (QFAL) and Sakku First Aviation (SFAL) released a statement announcing the increased utilization of country food shipping within the Arctic since the introduction of the country food shipping rate on July 1, 2011.

From July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, over 360,000 pounds of country food was shipped through QFAL or SFAL utilizing the special Country Food Rate. This is a 308% increase over the annual average of country food shipping in past years. “We introduced these rates at the request of our parent organizations – the Kivalliq Inuit Association and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association,” said Harry Flaherty, President of Qikiqtani First Aviation. “The regional Inuit Associations wanted us to assist beneficiaries directly, and we believe that this demonstrates our commitment to beneficiaries.”

The Country Food Rate of $1.50/kilogram including taxes and surcharges, is available to residents of all communities served by Qikiqtani First Aviation, Sakku First Aviation and First Air. Minimum charges do not apply.

“This represents a significant way that Inuit are helping Inuit have access to lower cost, nutritious country food,” said Patrick Tagoona, President of Sakku First Aviation. “Improving our beneficiaries’ access to country food is something that we are very proud of.”

In addition to the Country Food Rate, beneficiaries can receive discounts for passenger tickets and shipment of ATV’s, Snowmobiles, Outboard Motors and sewing supplies.

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