Iqaluit city councillors were eager to cast their unanimous votes Tuesday night to adopt a food voucher program for Inuit families in the community. The $5.4-million program is paid for by Indigenous Services Canada through the Inuit Child First Initiative and Jordan’s Principle .
The program is specifically intended to help Inuit families and children under the age of 18 purchase food, as well as diapers and other supplies for children aged three and under, said city spokesperson Geoff Byrne. Byrne said that around 1,300 families in Iqaluit may benefit from the program. “It’s very important, it should help them buy more stuff,” Mayor Solomon Awa said in an interview.
Coun. Amber Aglukark said it’s good for Iqaluit to be part of an initiative that other communities are also benefiting from. Arviat, Naujaat , Baker Lake, Pangnirtung and Rankin Inlet are among the other communities that have announced they will administer this food voucher program.
“I think it’s going to positively impact our community, especially Inuit kids and families that are extremely impacted with the high cost of living,” Aglukark said. “I am hoping that it’s a long-term initiative.” A follow-up news release from the city outlined that eligible Inuit families will receive $500 per month for each child aged 18 and under, with an additional $250 for children aged one day to three years.
After council Tuesday, Byrne said the funding is available until March 31, 2025. With no word from .