The NDP is fuming after Green Deputy leader and Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer failed to show up for a vote on changes to the Nutrition North program.
The motion, introduced by the New Democrats, was defeated in the House of Commons.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty stresses the legislation would have helped people in his riding and if he had a legitimate reason for missing the vote, he should explain himself.
Andrew Foulds is running against Hyer in the upcoming Federal election and states the sad reality is that Nutrition North has failed northerners, and the impacts of poor nutrition can be devastating.
The party introduced changes after an Auditor General report found the program has had minimal impact on food costs, lacked transparency or accountability and that over 50-communities are being left out of receiving subsidies.
The NDP says a revamped program is essential to area communities.
They note Nutrition North must reflect the real circumstances that northerners are facing and improve the well-being of aboriginals and non-aboriginals.
