Canada is a country oft-defined by its tendency toward socialist government, with publicly funded health care and a wealth of social programs. Education is free through secondary school, and post-secondary education is both affordable and often subsidized. However, according to UNICEF, Canada has a higher-than-average rate of children living in poverty. The distribution of poverty tends toward aboriginal Canadians, who make 30% less than non-aboriginals, and recent immigrants. While poverty is present in all parts of the country, rural areas are facing a steady loss of services due to Canada's rapid urbanization.
Paulatuk is a remote village in Northern Canada, accessible only by aircraft. Because it is so remote, typical goods are sold at a much higher than normal rate to accommodate transportation costs.