Petros makes a valid point regarding food subsidy.
But the actual subsidies are considerably different in amount and applicability. While we all have access to food that is subsidized. We do not all have access to the same food subsidy program as those available exclusively to those living in the north.
If I go to my local grocery store in Toronto, pick a clump of bananas, some OJ, and a loaf of bread can you explain where and how that is subsidized? I know if I pick up milk, eggs, or chicken I am actually paying more due to a reverse subsidy -- I am supporting a controlled industry in Canada -- but I fail to see any govt subsidy on the items I mentioned. I am close to a distribution centre because I live in an urban centre. This keeps my costs down. But I pay more for rent and transportation by living there.
When I visit my parents in Saskatoon, I expect to pay a bit more for food since the food has to come from other places (aside from Bread or other stuff theorectically grown locally). When I go to the lake further away from the urban centre, I also pay more than in Saskatoon. This is the price of living away from an urban centre. But I could pay a whole bunch less for rent if I lived in small town SK so it would break even.
The NWT is just another extention of that model unless somebody can show me where the actual subsidy is. I don't see it.