Price of Gasoline Set to Rise

Kuujjuaq, Québec, September 1, 2013 – The 2013 – 2014 price of gasoline set by Nunavik’s fuel distributors, is set to rise today, from $1.946 per litre to $1.995 per litre in all Nunavik communities. The Gasoline Subsidy Program contribution in 2013 – 2014 will be 21¢ per litre, making the total cost at the pump, for most gasoline distributors, $1.785 per litre. This price represents a 4.9 ¢ per litre increase in gas prices paid by Nunavimmiut since 2012.

The Gasoline Subsidy Program was established in 2007 as a cost-of-living reduction measure aiming to alleviate the rise in gas prices and it is implemented in all 14 villages of the region with the cooperation of Nunavik’s fuel distributors.

In April 2013, the Kativik School Board, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, the Ungava Tulattavik Health center, the Inuulitsivik Health Center, the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau and Hydro Quebec, agreed to join the KRG and the Makivik Corporation, and reimburse to the Gasoline Subsidy Program the 21¢ per litre saving, they received for their gasoline consumption in the communities. With this decision, they are participating in ensuring the continuation of the Gasoline Subsidy program.

The Gasoline Subsidy Program is one of the six (6) cost-of-living reduction measures, created by the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) and the Makivik Corporation and funded by the Quebec Government. The cost of living file is a priority for the KRG and Makivik Corporation.

On June 21, 2013, representatives of both organizations have expressed this fact as well as the necessity of renewed and increased funding in a meeting with the premier of Quebec and government representatives. As a result of this meeting, the cost-of-living file is a priority for the provincial government. The KRG and Makivik Corporation will continue to work closely with government officials over the course of this year in order to further Nunavimmiut interests and ensure the continuation of cost-of-living measures.

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Information:

The KRG is a non-ethnic public organization created in 1978, under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. The organization has jurisdiction over nearly the entire territory of Québec north of the 55th parallel in areas such as municipal matters, transportation, the environment, policing, employment, labour training, income security, childcare services, renewable resources, land-use planning, civil security and economic development.  

Makivik is the development corporation mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for in the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.