Canadian government develops food policy

The government of Canada is moving forward with the development of a food policy for Canada designed to incorporate the social, environmental and economic aspects of the food system into an integrated policy framework. To support the successful implementation of this policy, a broad alliance of more than 50 food industry, civil society and farming groups is calling on the federal government to create a National Food Policy Council.

A National Food Policy Council would bring together stakeholders from across the food system to work collaboratively with the government and provide advice on how to progress toward a food system that better promotes a healthier, more equitable, sustainable and prosperous Canada.

A food policy for Canada is expected to support Canada's ambitious agrifood economic growth targets while integrating critical food security, health and safety and environmental sustainability requirements.

Recognizing this complexity, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agrifood recommended a series of actions to support the development of a food policy for Canada. In its report released Dec. 11, the committee recommended that the government create a permanent advisory council consisting of multiple stakeholders.

More than 40,000 Canadians responded to the online consultations for A Food Policy for Canada, demonstrating interest in the Canadian food system. A National Food Policy Council is designed to create a forum in which this conversation can incorporate citizen comments.

The ad hoc working group was formed in early 2017 with the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, Guleph, Ontario; the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ontario; Food Secure Canada, Montreal, Quebec; Maple Leaf Foods, Mississauga, Ontario; and the McConnell Foundation, Montreal, Quebec, as founding members.