Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

My proposed project aims to address potential knowledge gaps existing as a result of policy deficiencies, contradictions and/or redundancies in addressing Arctic food security.There is a high prevalence of food insecurity in the Arctic communities of northern Canada (Nunavut, Northwest Territories, northern Quebec [Nunavik] and northern Labrador [Nunatsiavut]). Food insecurity is defined as an inadequate or uncertain access to a sufficient amount and quality of healthy food. Such high food insecurity is the result of a variety of factors, and there are many opportunities for policies to assist communities living in these regions to achieve food security, which will ultimately lead to an improved health status.The objective of this proposed project is to conduct a policy review and analysis of existing policy constraints and opportunities within the Inuit region of Nunavik. The Inuit are an Indigenous people in Arctic Canada, and food security research in Inuit communities have shown the highest rates of food insecurity among an Indigenous group living in a developed nation. This policy review will work towards achieving improved levels of food security for Inuit residents.I propose conducting a literature review and analysis in order to identify policy gaps, deficiencies, redundancies and contradictions in Nunavik food policy. This will ultimately assist with decision making and policy strategies addressing the issue of food insecurity in the region.This proposed project is part of a much larger food security research project coordinated by Dr. Chris Furgal. This research will work to address an urgent health and social justice issue in Canada.