John Nater Introduces Food Day in Canada Act

For Immediate Release
May 19, 2022

Ottawa, ON – Today in the House of Commons, John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington introduced Bill S-227, An Act to establish Food Day in Canada in the House of Commons.

If passed, the bill will establish that the Saturday before the first Monday in August will be known as “Food Day in Canada”. In most provinces this would therefore fall on the August holiday weekend.

Food Day has been informally recognized in rural communities throughout Ontario and across Canada 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” said Nater as he introduced the Bill in the House of Commons. “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.”

Bill S-227 originated in the Senate and was introduced by the Honourable Rob Black, Ontario Senator from Wellington County on November 25, 2021. 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 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.

“I hope with the support of all parties Bill S-227 will be passed quickly through this House” said M.P. Nater “Now more than ever, it is important to champion the healthy, local food our hard-working farm families grow throughout Canada.”

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