Children are benefitting because people in the community are following the rules of the Jordan's Principle program in Arviat, according to the community's mayor.
Joe Savikataaq Jr. said before the program was rolled out by the hamlet, it was heavily advertised that you cannot resell items to try and get cash.
He said it was made crystal clear to everyone that there would be consequences for anyone caught trying to benefit financially from the program.
“This program is for the kids, so they can eat, not for the adults to try and get cash,” said Savikataaq.
“Arviat has been very compliant on this, so we've been very lucky in that regard.
“There were a few, but it's hard to say if it's actually coming from the Jordan's Principle program. People are also on welfare and they do get the monthly child benefit, so it can be hard to say which of the three it's coming from.
“Pretty much everyone, to the best of our knowledge, has been abiding by the rules and we're quite proud of that, actually. We're not having the problems that you hear about in other places.”
Savikataaq said no matter where it occurs, when you hear of people abusing a program like this, you know it's the kids being affected the most and there's nothing good about that.
He said this program has been very good for the community and he wants to see that continue.
“Jordan's Principle supplying $500 a month per child for ages three up to 18, and an additional $250 for a newborn up to a three year old, is having a big impact in Arviat.
“The kids are accessing more healthier foods now and, in fact, the Department of Health will be monitoring the impact Jordan's Principle is having with how the kids' health has improved, or if there's less health issues now.
“The Hamlet of Arviat has asked the Department of Health if it's possible to see the results of that monitoring and they said they're going to look into it.”
Savikataaq said as far as providing good, nutritious foods and being a huge benefit to kids, this is one of the best periods Arviat is going through because of the Jordan's Principle program.
He said he's very happy to be seeing people walking out of the Northern store with all kinds of healthy food in their reusable bags and boxes.
“Jordan's Principle has had a very positive impact on everyone in the community, so we're very grateful and thankful for the program.
“It makes me feel very happy knowing that kids are going to eat healthy and won't be hungry. That's a very, very good feeling inside.”
