Nunavik Cost-of-Living Reduction Measures: New Adjustment to the Gasoline Program

September 15, 2016

Kuujjuaq, Québec, Following an agreement from the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) and Makivik Corporation, the 40¢ per litre fuel subsidy for Inuit beneficiaries of the JBNQA will remain the same for this year as of September 1st, 2016. Further, as the price of gas has dropped across Canada in the past year, the fuel price set for Kuujjuaq and all Nunavik communities has lowered as of September 1st.

The high price of gasoline in Nunavik is due, in part, to additional costs incurred for the transportation of fuel from the south to Nunavik communities and, in part, to additional costs incurred for the financing of annual fuel stocks. Federal and provincial taxes are applied after transportation and financing costs have been added to the price paid for the gasoline by local distributers.

“The Gasoline Program delivers meaningful support to subsistence harvesters as hunting and fishing activities are of crucial importance for Nunavik Inuit. The high price of gasoline in the region is a huge challenge and I am confident our continuous efforts will make a significant difference”, said KRG Chairperson Jennifer Munick.

“I hear people telling us how difficult it is to pay for the basics of life in the north and the high cost of fuel to drive our hunting machines is a huge contributor” says Makivik President Jobie Tukkiapik, “We will continually look for ways to lower costs. It’s our commitment to our shareholders.”

The Gasoline Program is one of six regional cost-of-living measures implemented since 2007. The other measures are the Food and Other Essentials Program, the Airfare Reduction Program, the Household Appliance and Harvesting Equipment Program, the Country Food Community Support Program, and the Elders Assistance Program. The criteria applicable to all the measures are subject to modification or cancellation at any time. Over the years, all the measures have grown in popularity among Nunavimmiut.

For more information on the Gasoline Program as well as the Beneficiary Discount Card, visit http://www.krg.ca/en/cost-of-living-program. Laina Grey at the Makivik Corporation may be contacted specifically regarding beneficiary discount cards (eligibility, and lost or stolen cards) at lagrey@makivik.org or 1 800 361 7052.

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Information:

Jean-Philippe Dubois
Communications Coordinator
Kativik Regional Government
Tel. 819-964-2961, ext. 2219
media@krg.ca
www.krg.ca

William Tagoona
Communications Coordinator and Media Relations
Makivik Corporation
Tel. 819-964-2925
wtagoona@makivik.org
www.makivik.org

The KRG is a non-ethnic public organization created in 1978, under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. The organization has jurisdiction over nearly the entire territory of Québec north of the 55th parallel in areas such as municipal matters, transportation, the environment, policing, employment, labour training, income security, childcare services, renewable resources, land-use planning, civil security and economic development.

Makivik is the development corporation mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.

NT5