Government of Canada invests in food security project led by Northern Village of Kuujjuaq
Nunavik organization receives $1M in funding from CED.
KUUJJUAQ, QC, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ — Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Member of Parliament for Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou and Minister of Indigenous Services, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED, today announced a non-repayable contribution of $1M for Northern Village of Kuujjuaq. For the occasion, she was accompanied by the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. Thanks to this CED funding, the organization will be able to improve food security locally.
Northern Village of Kuujjuaq provides numerous municipal services to foster the community’s well-being while respecting Inuit culture and realities. The organization supports, among other things, food initiatives aimed at increasing the local cultivation of fresh produce and diversifying economic activities in Nunavik. CED’s funding will make it possible to increase local food production through the construction and fitting-out of a building connected to the existing greenhouse. Harvest processing and workshops on growing fresh food will thus be able to be held within this new infrastructure. The project also involves acquiring food preservation equipment.
Communities in Northern Canada must overcome significant food security challenges. These challenges–notably those related to the harsh climate and transportation and infrastructure issues–hinder economic development in northern communities.
The Government of Canada recognizes that it is important to help communities and businesses in Northern Canada fight against food insecurity to create conditions conducive to sustainable economic development across all of these northern regions.
Quotes
“Strengthening food security in Canada’s North also means investing in the economic development of northern communities. In partnership with Inuit organizations, our government is supporting local solutions that create jobs, strengthen regional supply chains, and foster sustainable growth. By helping projects such as the one by Northern Village of Kuujjuaq, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy in all Quebec regions.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED
“In the North, strengthening local food production systems among the Inuit means increasing the means communities have to overcome their challenges and strengthen their food security. Thanks to CED’s funding, Northern Village of Kuujjuaq will be able to improve its food production and processing infrastructure and thereby increase its capacity to produce locally. I am proud that our government is supporting an initiative rooted in the realities and priorities of the community.”
The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Member of Parliament for Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou and Minister of Indigenous Services
“Inuit communities are in the best position to identify solutions that respond to their realities and priorities. This project, led by Northern Village of Kuujjuaq, is a testament to the Inuit community’s leadership and willingness to strengthen food security locally. Our government is proud to be at its side and to support an initiative that will contribute to the population’s well-being.”
The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“Northern Village of Kuujjuaq is grateful to the Government of Canada and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) for their support of the Kuujjuaq Greenhouse Project. This funding represents an important step toward strengthening local food production and food security in our community. By developing a sustainable, greenhouse-based food system, we aim to improve access to locally grown food while addressing social, economic and environmental challenges. We thank our government partners for recognizing the importance of this initiative and investing in a more resilient and sustainable future for the people of Kuujjuaq.”
Mary Johannes, Kuujjuaq Mayor (Northern Village of Kuujjuaq)
Quick facts
- CED is providing funding under the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund. It supports current and new food initiatives that strengthen and diversify economic activity in the North. In Quebec, the targeted territory is Nunavik.
- CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.
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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
