Protest in Canada against high food prices
17th June 2012
The price of food in northern Canada is beyond the means of many families, shocking visitors. Locals take to the streets to demand change
Residents in the northern territory or Nunavut in Canada took to the streets last week to protest against the eye-watering price of food in the region. At CAN$28 (£18) for a cabbage, $8.60 (£5.30) for two litres of milk, $65 (£40.60) for a chicken or $105 (£65) for 12 litres of water, the cost of living is unsustainable and many families can't afford the basic necessities.
The harsh northern climate means an agricultural industry is not possible and with poor access from the south, goods have to be flown in each day. The cost of stocking shops with produce is 11 times that of that in the south of the country. Food is subsidised by Nutrition North Canada Programme, which has helped to drive the prices down, but for many they are still crippling. Locals are having Nunavut though and are doing all they can to achieve more reasonable costs.
Hunting used to be a feasible alternative but the kit and fuel needed is expensive, not to mention the paid days lost from not working.
The minimum wage in Nunavut is high at $11 (£6.90) per hour, but it doesn't stand up to the even higher price of essentials. Leesee Papatsie, who organised the protest says she spends $500-$600 (£312-£375) a week on food.
“Most people will know someone who is hungry or has been hungry,” says Papatsie. “Lots of kids go to school hungry and don't have proper meals. It's cheaper to buy an oven dinner than the separate ingredients, it's not a good diet.”
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