Newviqvi owner corrects the record

To reply to the editorial on the food mail program “Don’t jump to hasty conclusions.” (Nov. 5, 2010)

The title is very appropriate as the many inaccuracies could leave many residents of Kuujjuaq and Nunavik with incorrect information.

The food mail program has been used by Newviqvi exactly as defined, no more no less, for perishable and non-perishable food, since 1989.”Flagrant abuse” is a perception of the editor alone.

The rates for perishable food across the North are 80 centrs per kilo,regardless of location. This does not include clothing.

The photo in the article shows a code number on the package of Pampers.

This is not a price,and is used to identify the product for a tag-on project covered by the Kativik Regional Government, which offers an additional rebate of 2o per cent to residents of Nunavik.

Nunavik prices are higher than Montreal, but lower than Iqaluit.

The main point to my presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee last week was that after the announcement of the program changes on May 21, 2010,not enough time was given for the independent retailer to plan, order, and finance the infrastructure and inventory before the close of the 2010 shipping season.

It would have been much more realistic to make the announcement on Jan. 1, with a start date the end of the following summer.

The program may work well in the future once we learn the details of the final part due to start on April 1,2011,and Newviqvi certainly wants to be part of that.
 
Eric Pearson
Co-Owner, Newviqvi
Kuujjuaq

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