constructive dialogue with Canadians, civil society, and stakeholders, including the not-for-profit and charitable sectors

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2 All mandate letters close collaboration meaningful engagement with Opposition Members of Parliament, Parliamentary Committees and the public service constructive dialogue with Canadians, civil society, and stakeholders, including the not-for-profit and charitable sectors Time for a renewed nation to nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership

3 Mandate Letter: Minister of Agriculture

4 Mandate INAC» Implement recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, starting with the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.» Work with the Minister of Health to update and expand the Nutrition North program, in consultation with Northern communities

5 Minister of Health» new restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children; bringing in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods; and improving food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes in processed foods» Work with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs to update and expand the Nutrition North program, in consultation with Northern communities

6 Social Development, Families, Children» Lead the development of a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy that would set targets to reduce poverty and measure and publicly report on progress.

7 Approach to Food Policy Greg Meredith Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Food Secure Canada 9 th Annual Assembly October 14,

8 Purpose To provide an overview of food policy initiatives in Canada and internationally. To present ideas for a national food policy. To discuss next steps toward a national food policy in Canada, including engagement of stakeholders and Canadians. 8

9 Public opinion research shows Canadians strongly support a national food policy The general population rated the following elements a high priority for a national food policy: Promoting conservation/protection of resources (93%) Increasing access to affordable and nutritious food in Canada (92%) Developing a long-term plan for the agriculture sector (86%) Creating agriculture programs that increase population health (84%) Ensuring the Canadian agriculture sector remains profitable (82%) Ensuring that there will be enough food globally in the future (80%) Increasing access to affordable and nutritious food globally (68%) Source: 2011 AAFC Strategic Issues Tracking Survey 9

10 Canadian organizations have been contributing to the food policy landscape Food policy proposals incorporate a range of themes such as healthy eating, food security, environmental sustainability, and sector competitiveness. Food Secure Canada: Resetting the Table: A People s Food Policy for Canada (2011). Canadian Federation of Agriculture: National Food Strategy (2011). Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute: Canada s Agri-Food Destination (2011); Achieving What s Possible for Canada s Agri-Food Sector (2016). Conference Board of Canada: Canadian Food Strategy (2014). 10

11 The federal government recognizes Food Secure Canada s contributions to the dialogue on food policy The report Resetting the Table: A People s Food Policy for Canada provides valuable input to draw on as we work towards the development of a national food policy. The government has noted Food Secure Canada s leadership in grassroots engagement on food issues, which enabled the participation of many stakeholders and informed the report. We expect the consultations on national food policy to explore many of the issues raised in Resetting the Table, including: promoting healthy eating; improving food security; economic sustainability; and public participation in food system decision making. 11

12 Integrated food policies outside Canada provide models to consider Scotland National Food and Drink Policy (2009) Seeks to make Scotland a Good Food Nation, with ambitious economic and societal goals. Ireland Food Harvest (2010) Based on targets and metrics, with an umbrella for a broad range of government initiatives. Both these food policies have strong branding components. Other jurisdictions that have done work to develop food policy frameworks include: United Kingdom Food 2030 (2010) Australia National Food Plan (2013) Civil society in several countries has become more deeply engaged. Examples: United States AGree, coalition seeking to transform food and agricultural policy, launched in 2011 Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy report: Towards a Food Policy (2015) 12

13 Potential themes for a national food policy Improving domestic access to nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations Promoting healthy eating Contributing to the sector s ability to respond to global food demand Food security Health Mitigating food safety risks Protecting and improving the quality of water, soil, and air Environment Sustainable growth of the agriculture and food sector Canadian food as a preferred choice of consumers in Canada and abroad Sectoral mitigation of and adaptation to climate change These four themes are key elements in proposals by Canadian organizations as well as international approaches. Strengthening public trust on the basis of the sector s positive contribution to health, the environment, and food security 13

14 A national food policy framework could touch on a diverse set of policy issues FOOD SECURITY LOCALLY-PRODUCED FOOD FOOD WASTE SECTOR RESILIENCE/ ADAPTABILITY ENVIRONMENT NORTHERN FOOD SECURITY FOOD AFFORDABILITY TRADE POLICY GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY PUBLIC TRUST CLIMATE CHANGE NUTRITION POLICY FOOD SAFETY ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE CULINARY TOURISM HEALTH SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECTOR 14

15 A national food policy would be designed to encourage collaboration Food security Environment Health Sustainable growth of the agriculture and food sector Potential opportunities for other governments, stakeholders, and Canadians to become more engaged in food-related policy development. Increased collaboration and coordination, including a more integrated approach to economic, social, and environmental challenges in the food system. A national food policy would bring increased attention to the central contribution of food to priorities such as population health, food security, environmental stewardship, and public trust in the agriculture and agri-food sector. 15

16 Potential principles for a national food policy Promote horizontal collaboration and coordination within the federal government on food-related issues. Work collaboratively with the farming and food industries, civil society stakeholders, and Canadians. Be a federal framework which respects provincial and territorial governments jurisdiction. Provinces and territories could determine the extent of their involvement and align their policies and programs as appropriate. Base decision making on sound evidence, including scientific guidance, while addressing societal priorities. Provide for robust measures of food policy results. 16

17 Consultation will be central to the development of a national food policy We plan to hold full public consultations in 2017 an opportunity for all interested parties to express their views and priorities. The development of a national food policy is complementary but distinct from the next agricultural policy framework. We are aiming to launch a national food policy in