Perth-Wellington MP John Nater introduced Bill S-227, An Act to establish Food Day in Canada today in the House of Commons.
The bill, if passed, would make the Saturday before the first Monday in August Food Day in Canada.
The day has been informally recognized in areas throughout Ontario since 2003 when Wellington County food activist and University of Guelph Food Laureate Anita Stewart championed the day in support of beef farmers during the 2003 bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis.
“I am very proud to sponsor this initiative that would formally establish Food Day in Canada” Nater said as he introduced the bill. “I am especially proud that through this Bill, Parliament is honouring the legacy of the late Anita Stewart for her lifetime of devoted advocacy for Canadian food.”
The bill originated in the Senate, introduced by the Honourable Rob Black, Ontario Senator from Wellington County on Nov. 25, 2021 and it was passed in the Senate unanimously on May 12, 2022
“We are talking about the farmers who grow the crops we drive by as we travel Canada, about the agri-businesses who produce the food we see on the shelves, about the restauranteurs and chefs that feed for us, and the vintners and brewers who produce the wine, beer, and spirits we enjoy. Local food is about much more than just what we eat; it is about Canadians.” said Senator Black in a prepared statement.
