New food policy will ask Canadians what food issues matter to them

Government of Canada launches online survey to support the development of a food policy. The online consultation is the first of a number of engagement activities planned with a wide range of participants to inform the development of a food policy.

TORONTO -- Food matters. Canadians make choices every day about food that directly impacts their health, environment, and communities. The Government of Canada is committed to helping put more affordable, safe, healthy, food on tables across the country, while protecting the environment.

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"Food plays a critical role in the health and well-being of Canadians, while also having a direct impact on our environment, economy, and communities. Developing this food policy is an exciting opportunity for Canadians to have their say about how government can help address those opportunities and challenges that exist in our food system," said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

A food policy is a way to address issues related to the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay, announced today that the Government of Canada is launching consultations to support the development of A Food Policy for Canada. An online survey is now open and Canadians are encouraged to share their input to help shape a food policy that will cover the entire food system, from farm to fork.

Canadians can share their views on four major themes:

• increasing access to affordable food;
• improving health and food safety;
• conserving our soil, water, and air; and
• growing more high-quality food.  

A Food Policy for Canada will be the first-of-its-kind for the Government of Canada, and is a new step in the government's mandate to taking a collaborative and broad-based approach to addressing food-related issues in Canada.

The online consultation is the first of a number of engagement activities planned with a wide range of participants to inform the development of a food policy. Feedback from the consultations will provide the federal government with a better understanding of Canadians' priorities when it comes to food-related issues. The results will help inform key elements of a food policy, including a long-term vision and identifying actions to take in the near term.

In addition to the online consultations, the Government of Canada will be holding broad consultations through events taking place throughout the coming months.

A wide range of stakeholders will be invited to Ottawa for A Food Policy for Canada Summit, to take place June 22 - 23, 2017. The Summit is designed to provide a space for stakeholders, experts, and key policy makers to share views on the development of A Food Policy for Canada.

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada