Skip to content

Harper gov’t doesn’t value food security

It’s clear the food on your family’s plate is not a priority for this federal government

It’s clear the food on your family’s plate is not a priority for this federal government. In fact, just this week Canada earned the embarrassing distinction of being the first developed country in the world to have its food supply investigated by the United Nations.

Previously the UN’s food envoy only visited developing countries. But because too many Canadians, including many aboriginal communities, do not have access to nutritious food and clean water, the UN felt the need to investigate. This is a stunning indictment of the failure of Stephen Harper’s Conservatives on food security.

Food security has not been a priority of this government. And it shows. Not only is Canada the only nation in the developed world without a national food strategy, the Harper Conservatives are now making deep cuts to food inspection and food safety. Without leadership from the top, there will come a time when Canadians can’t trust the food that’s in grocery store shelves.

Right now, too many Canadians are going hungry because they do not have access to healthy, affordable food. This is an international embarrassment for Canada. It is our national shame. And it will be Stephen Harper’s legacy if he continues to ignore it.

Lise St-Denis, MP

Liberal Party of Canada