November 25, 2010

Ottawa, Ontario (November 25, 2010) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the appointment of six members and one technical advisor to the Nutrition North Canada External Advisory Board. The new members, from across the country, join Elizabeth Copland, the Chair of the Advisory Board, who was appointed in May 2010.
“The Advisory Board will give Northerners a direct voice in the operation of Nutrition North Canada,” said Minister Duncan. “As we move toward full implementation of the program on April 1, 2011, I look forward to working closely with members of the Board in our collective effort to improve access to more affordable, nutritious foods for Northerners.”
Your determination and hard work are inspiring and I would like to recognize you for your important contributions.
Advisory Board Members

• Elizabeth Copland, Nunavut, Chair
• Wilfred Wilcox, Nunavut
• Nellie Cournoyea, Northwest Territories
• Katherine Nukon, Yukon
• Steve McDougall, Manitoba
• Marie-Josée Gauthier, Nunavik
• Michele Wood, Labrador

Technical Advisor to the Board

• Danielle Medina

Nutrition North Canada's External Advisory Board will enhance the transparency and accountability of the new program, as well as provide information and advice to help guide the management and activities of Nutrition North Canada. 

“This new advisory board will play a vital role as we prepare for the launch of Nutrition North Canada,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for the North. “The Board's input will help ensure that this new program focuses on access to more nutritious perishable foods and promotes healthy eating among Northerners.”
The members of the Board were selected by Minister Duncan in consultation with the Minister of Health and will be appointed to a three-year term, renewable on a yearly basis after the initial three years. Board members were chosen based on their overall experience and their ability to expand public awareness.

On April 1, 2011, the Food Mail Program will be replaced by Nutrition North Canada.  The new program will be a cost-effective, market-driven model to ensure greater efficiency and transparency.
Nutrition North Canada will benefit people living in eligible communities in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Backgrounder – Advisory Board Member Biographies
Backgrounder – Advisory Board Terms of Reference