Increased local food production can support the GNWT’s goal to improve food security across the territory. 

This work will be led by the Department of Industry Tourism and Investment with support from the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Lands.

What we will do

1. Support the development of the food industry

2. Increase country food harvesting

3. Work with Canada to increase the flexibility of the Nutrition North Program to better serve NWT residents

How we will do it

1.a. Review and amend regulatory framework to remove barriers that impede NWT residents from developing food production businesses

1.b. Implement a meat inspection regulatory framework for locally produced and sold meat products

1.c. Complete construction of a Fish Plant in Hay River

1.d. Review and amend the Northern Food Development Program, to ensure supports are provided for greenhouses and community gardens

2.a. Work with and support Indigenous governments to develop and deliver culturally appropriate harvester support programs, such as a Harvester Mentorship Program

3.a. Work with Indigenous and community governments to make recommendations for improvements to the Nutrition North Program

How we will demonstrate progress

1.a. Regulatory changes implemented (fall 2022)

1.b. Locally produced meat is available for purchase (Spring 2023)

1.c. Fish Plant construction completed (Fall 2023)

1.d. Supports for greenhouses and community gardens improved (Spring 2021)

2.a. New harvester support programs delivered (Summer 2022)

3.a. Recommendations provided to Canada to guide their work (Fall 2021)