For Immediate Release - June 27, 2019
“Through the Food Policy for Canada, our Government is laying out a roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system for our country. We want to support growth of community organizations that are already working on improving food security through growing and distributing food locally and supporting school food programs, and to assist in the startup of new businesses and organizations focused on reducing food waste. The Food Policy compliments the Agriculture Policy Framework, Healthy Eating Strategy, Canada’s Food Guide, and our Poverty Reduction Strategy. -Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph
Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph joined the Agri- Food Excellency Symposium at the University of Guelph to highlight the launch Canada’s first-ever federal Food Policy, and the Government of Canada’s vision to improve the sustainability of local food systems.
The Food Policy for Canada is an ambitious initiative, the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country, including a consultation held by MP Longfield in September 2017. 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.
“Canadian food, and the Canadian food system, is world-leading and our agri-food industry is an engine of innovation and economic growth. Yet problems remain. Every year, billions of dollars of food are wasted and far too many Canadians experience food insecurity. The food policy for Canada is a bold step to address these issues. In particular, the new National Food Policy Advisory Council will help us build on the strengths of our existing food system while creating a forum to undertake reform where work needs to be done.” - Evan Fraser, Director, Arrell Food Institute & Canada Research Chair
The Food Policy followed a coordinated and collaborative approach to tackle the pressing food issues that matter to Canadians, including:
- plans to improve access to healthy food for all Canadians – including those in
Northern and isolated communities, reducing food insecurity by 50%,
- to begin work on a national school food program, - grow the agriculture and agri-food sector, thanks to a new Canada Brand, and through on line and in-store Buy Canadian marketing campaigns, and
- reduce food waste.
The Government is investing more than $134 million to put into action this long-term vision for the future of food in Canada.
As part of the Food Policy, The Government of Canada is launching a $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.
“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.” -Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
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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.
• 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.
• The Food Policy includes support for community-led projects like greenhouses, community freezers, and skills training that address food challenges and food insecurity in Northern and isolated communities;
• The Food Policy will launch a challenge fund to support the most innovative food waste reduction ideas in food processing, grocery retail, and food service;
• New funds will 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
• The Government of Canada is taking the first steps to work alongside provinces and not-for-profit organizations towards the creation of a National School Food Program.
• The Food Policy will launch a new Canada Brand and Buy Canadian promotional campaigns that will aim to increase pride and consumer confidence in Canadian food
• Copies of the new Food Policy for Canada are available at the office of MP Longfield
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