Stetski rallies unanimous support for local food in Parliament

A Local Food Day would raise awareness of the challenges many Canadians face in accessing healthy, affordable food.

Wayne Stetski. — Photo courtesy Wayne Stetski

Ottawa – Today the House of Commons voted unanimously at second reading in support of MP Wayne Stetski’s Private Member’s Bill C-281, An Act to establish a National Local Food Day, which would designate the Friday before Thanksgiving of each year as National Local Food Day.

“I have heard from Canadians around Kootenay-Columbia and across the country about how important local food is to their families and communities,” said Stetski. “I am proud that I was able to bring MPs together around local food, and that my bill received unanimous support today.  With the backing of my colleagues, we can now continue the important conversation about strengthening local food systems, as well as the importance of food security.”

The next step for Stetski’s bill will be review by the Agriculture committee, before it returns to the floor of the House and then the Senate.

Establishing a National Local Food Day would give all Canadians an opportunity to celebrate local food and recognize the hard work of local producers and harvesters, food manufacturers, farmers’ markets, and others in every region across the country. It would also raise awareness of the challenges many Canadians face in accessing healthy, affordable food close to home.

“Local food should be celebrated. A National Local Food Day is something everyone can get behind,” said Stetski. “Today it is one step closer to being a reality. I encourage everyone to continue supporting their local food producers, manufacturers and retailers,  and to share with me what local food means to you and your community.”