Food Policy for Canada: 'Everyone at the Table!'

Canadian foods are recognized worldwide for the highest standards of quality and food safety. Responsible for one in eight jobs across the country, our food sector is a powerhouse of the economy, particularly in our rural communities. However, more needs to be done to improve our food system.

For example, too many Canadians aren’t able to reliably access enough healthy food. Too many children are learning on empty stomachs. And we waste more than 11 million metric tons of food every year, worth nearly $50 billion.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, along with Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, today joined stakeholders from across the food system at the Carrefour Alimentaire Centre-Sud to launch Canada’s first-ever federal Food Policy.

The Food Policy for Canada is an ambitious initiative, the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government of Canada heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including food producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.

The vision for the Food Policy for Canada developed through these consultations is: All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.

To realize this vision, the Government of Canada is investing $134 million through Budget 2019, which includes new initiatives to help achieve key objectives.

A central piece of the Food Policy for Canada announced today is the creation of a Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council. The Council will bring together the expertise and diversity needed beyond government to address the challenges of today, as well as the future of Canada’s food system. An open and transparent process, that includes letters of nomination, will begin over the summer.

Also announced is the launch of a five-year, $50 million Local Food Infrastructure Fund, designed to support community-led projects that improve access to safe, healthy and culturally diverse food. Starting August 15, 2019, eligible organizations will be invited to submit an application through the first intake period for non-repayable funding of up to $25,000.

Minister Bibeau also highlighted other Food Policy of Canada initiatives, including:
 

• a new Canada Brand and Buy Canadian promotional campaigns that will aim to increase pride and consumer confidence in Canadian food;
• support for community-led projects like greenhouses, community freezers, and skills training that address food challenges and food insecurity in Northern and isolated communities;
• a challenge fund to support the most innovative food waste reduction ideas in food processing, grocery retail, and food service;
• new funds to help the Canadian Food Inspection Agency crack down on food fraud – the mislabeling and misrepresentation of food products – to protect consumers from deception and companies from unfair competition; and
• to take the first steps to work alongside provinces and not-for-profit organizations towards the creation of a National School Food Program.

The Food Policy for Canada aligns with the objectives of initiatives across the Federal Government, such as the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Heathy Eating Strategy, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy, among others.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food:

“The Food Policy for Canada is our roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system for our country. The investments and initiatives in the food policy will contribute to economic growth, better nutrition and food security for all Canadians.”

Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food:

“Throughout our consultations, thousands of Canadians told us how meaningful the development of a collaborative federal food policy would be. Now, by working together to deliver the Food Policy for Canada, we can address food challenges across our country and make this vision a reality.”

Marie-Claude Morin-Ouellet, Culinary Education Coordinator, Carrefour Alimentaire Centre-Sud:

“Today we had the opportunity to show Minister Bibeau how just one local organization can make an impact in the wider community. There are hundreds of other groups like ours all across the country whose objectives directly align with the new Food Policy for Canada.”

Quick facts

The Food Policy for Canada will invest in four short-term action areas:

• helping Canadian communities access healthy food;
• making Canadian food the top choice at home and abroad;
• supporting food security in Northern and Indigenous communities;
• and reducing food waste.

The Food Policy will also help Canada meet its commitments under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including to end hunger, promote good health, cut food waste, and encourage a sustainable food system.