NNC Advisory Board Hears Good News on Nutrition North Canada Program

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Montreal, Quebec (February 29, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health today recognized the important contribution being made by the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board members in addressing the needs of northern food consumers. The Board members met in Montreal on February 27th and 28th, 2012 to discuss progress on the new program with retailers and suppliers.

“As the Nutrition North Canada program enters its second year, our Government will benefit from the input gathered from discussions with northern stakeholders during this meeting,” said Minister Duncan. “Continued input from the Advisory Board will help ensure the objectives of the program are met.””The Advisory Board is continuing to work with Northerners to give them a clear and direct voice as Nutrition North Canada moves forward,” said Advisory Board Vice-Chair Nellie Cournoyea. “The input received from the retail side of things is helpful to ensure that the food subsidy program is responsive to the nutritional needs of Northerners”.

The members of the board also took the opportunity acknowledge and thank Elizabeth Copeland for her contributions as the founding chair and member of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board. Ms. Copeland advised the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development on February 10th, 2012 of her desire to step down in order to focus on new responsibilities she now has with the Government of Nunavut. The process for selecting a new chair is currently being considered by the Minister.

Representatives from both Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Health Canada were on hand to provide updates on the food subsidy program and answer questions from members of the Board. Retailers and suppliers registered with Nutrition North Canada also attended the meeting to provide information on how they use the program.

“I appreciate all the advice provided by the Advisory Board on the Nutrition North Canada program,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Today’s meeting demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to improving access for every Northerner and every Canadian to nutritious food,” added Aglukkaq.

Created in 2011, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board meets several times a year to foster engagement with Northerners, to enhance the transparency of the program, and to provide information and advice to help the Government of Canada guide the management of Nutrition North Canada.

The volunteer members of the Nutrition North Advisory Board collectively represent a wide range of northern perspectives and interests.

Nutrition North Canada – Helping bring healthy food to northern homes

To contact the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board email:
[email protected]

Related links: www.nutritionnorthcanada.ca

For more information, please contact:

Minister’s Office
Jan O’Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Health Canada

Minister’s Office
Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
613-957-0200

Media Enquiries
Health Canada
613-957-2983

Nutrition North Canada Public Enquiries
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709