Labrador Families Struggle with Soaring Food Prices Despite Federal Aid

Residents in Nain face extreme grocery costs, forcing some to skip meals despite subsidies from the Nutrition North Canada program.

Rosie Harris, a mother in Nain, Labrador, describes grocery prices as 'inhumane,' with her family needing three jobs to afford food.
Nain, the northernmost community in Labrador, has seen food prices increase by nearly 62% from 2011 to 2021, the highest spike among northern communities.
The federal Nutrition North Canada program aims to equalize food prices but fails to prevent retailers from charging high prices, says economist Nicholas Li.
Residents report significant price differences between the two local stores, Franks and Northern, with Northern often charging more.
Suggestions for improvement include introducing price caps on subsidized products and establishing co-operatives or government-run stores to ensure fair pricing.