Canada Action Plan Food Security

8/4/2019 Canada Action Plan Food Security

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Canada's Action Plan for Food Security(1998)


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Prime Minister's Message ..............................................................................................3Minister's Message .........................................................................................................4Executive Summary.......................................................................................................5

Part I: Understanding Food Security.........................................................................9

Defining Food Security.............................................................................................9Parallels in Canadian and International Food Security.............................................9Canadian Perspective on Food Security..................................................................11

Part II: Domestic Actions ..........................................................................................12

Commitment One: An Enabling Environment........................................................12

Commitment Two: Access to Food.........................................................................14Commitment Three: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development ..................21

Commitment Four: Trade and Food Security .........................................................24Commitment Five: Emergency Prevention and Preparedness ................................26

Commitment Six: Promoting Investment................................................................28

Part III: International Actions .................................................................................30

Commitment One: An Enabling Environment........................................................30Commitment Two: Access to Food.........................................................................32

Commitment Three: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development ..................34Commitment Four: Trade and Food Security .........................................................38

Commitment Five: Emergency Prevention and Preparedness ................................40Commitment Six: Promoting Investment................................................................43Commitment Seven: Implementation and Monitoring............................................45

Part IV: Conclusion...................................................................................................47Implementation and Monitoring of Canada's Action Plan for Food Security.........47

Appendix I: Members of the Joint Consultative Group ...............................................49

Appendix II: Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................59


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Prime Minister's Message

We are blessed with a great country, endowed with immense natural resources, boundlesshuman potential and a long tradition of helping others, both within our country and with

our neighbours in the rest of the world. We work hard to improve our standard of living,

pursuing broad-based, equitable economic growth, protecting human rights and freedoms,caring for our natural environment and striving to provide all Canadians with the

opportunity to realize their dreams.

Ensuring that all Canadians are food secure is an important element of that standard ofliving we all cherish. This Plan is a significant step forward in developing a nationalapproach to address food insecurity in Canada and abroad. It builds on our longtime

involvement in international efforts which began with our participation in the founding ofthe United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization at Quebec City in 1945. Since

then, we have been an active member of the multilateral system, and we have workedwith and supported a wide variety of other international organizations, thousands of

community-based groups and Canadian voluntary organizations in a dedicated effort toend hunger at home and abroad.

Canada's Action Plan for Food Security is a reflection of this experience. It is the result ofextensive consultations with our partners in Canada and abroad, and I am most gratefulfor their contributions. Together with representatives from all levels of government in

Canada, they have crafted a road map for the Canadian contribution to the World FoodSummit target of reducing by half the number of undernourished people no later than the

year 2015 and to eventual food security for all.

Over 50 years ago, Canada pledged itself to a world that was free from hunger, free from

want, with enough food for all. This Action Plan is a symbol of our dedication to thatcommitment, and to the people of the world. I invite all of our partners around the world

to join us in ending hunger and achieving food security for all.

The Right Honourable Jean Chrtien

Prime Minister of Canada


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Ministers Message

Over 800 million human beings do not have enough to eat in a world that produces

enough food to feed every man, woman and child. This exceptional paradox - global foodsecurity alongside individual food insecurity - has galvanized the collective conscience ofthe world community. At the World Food Summit in Rome in November 1996, Canada

joined 186 other nations to endorse the Summit's goal - to reduce the number ofundernourished people by half no later than the year 2015.

The world food situation has been improving steadily since the founding of the United

Nations Food and Agriculture Organization over 50 years ago. Production has risen, foodprices have dropped and a greater proportion of the world's people have gained secureaccess to food. Despite this progress, the conundrum remains: far too many people are

undernourished, their health impaired, their potential blighted, their lives a daily strugglefor survival.

Canada shares this paradox. As a major exporter of food and rela ted products andexpertise, and as one of the world's largest donors of food aid, Canada has made somevery valuable contributions to world food security. At the same time, we must recognize

that we are not immune to the problem of food insecurity in our country. There arevulnerable people in Canada who are unable to meet their food needs withoutcompromising other basic needs.

But there is hope. The experience of the last five decades has taught us many things about

the nature of food insecurity and many of those lessons have been incorporated into theRome Declaration on World Food Security and the World Food Summit Plan of Action.

Canada's Action Plan for Food Security is based on those lessons. It is also based on theshared responsibility of all stakeholders involved in achieving food security: the federal,

provincial, territorial and municipal governments, civil society organizations andinstitutions, the private sector, and ultimately, each and every individual.

Canada's Action Plan for Food Security is the result of extensive consultations betweenand among these stakeholders and represents a multisectoral consensus. Canadian

voluntary and community organizations have played an important role in this process.We are committed to ensuring Canada's follow-up to the World Food Summit, beginningwith this Plan of Action for the Government of Canada. We would like to thank all those

who have collaborated in this important initiative.

We also wish to thank them for helping us all to keep in mind who this Plan is for: thecommunities and people of Canada, the people in countries in transition, and the people

in developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable.

The Honourable Lyle Vanclief

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister responsible for Canada's follow-upto TheWorld Food Summit

The Honourable Diane Marleau

Minister for International Cooperation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie


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Executive Summary

Canada's Action Plan for Food Security is Canada's response to the World Food Summit

(WFS) commitment made by the international community to reduce by half the numberof undernourished people no later than the year 2015. It builds on a wide range ofexisting international commitments which affect food security, including agreements on

international trade and environmental issues, conventions on human rights (includingwomen's and children's rights), social development, education, housing and urban

development. In addition, it builds on commitments and actions which flow from currentdomestic programs such as Canada's ownNutrition for Health: An Agenda for Action;Gathering Strength: Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan; revisions to legislation, including

the Fisheries Act; and Canada's evolving economic, social and environmental programsand policies.

This Plan is the work of a Joint Consultative Group (JCG) composed of both governmentand civil society(1) representatives (see Appendix I for membership). During the drafting

discussions, it became apparent to the JCG that it was dealing with a wide range ofissues, many of which are complex and interconnected. To assist the reader in an initial

understanding of how food security was perceived during these discussions, Part I, ashort introductory section ent itled "Understanding Food Security", has been developed. Itis not meant to be comprehensive, nor does it pretend to be conclusive; it is simply a

frame of reference for the actions which follow.

The structure of this document is based on the WFS Plan of Action endorsed by 187countries at the World Food Summit in Rome in 1996. The WFS Plan of Action containsseven commitments, which also form the backbone of this document. Part II outlines

Canada's plan for actions in the domestic environment, and Part III outlines Canada's planfor actions in the international environment as a donor to developing countries and

countries in transition; as a member of the multilateral community; and as a tradingnation. Each action is followed by a list of the main implementing organizations inparentheses. Lastly, Part IV details Canada's approach to the implementation and

monitoring of its Action Plan.

In the context of Canada's obligations related to the goal of the WFS, this Plan presentsthe Canadian perspective on the complex issue of food security, and then sets out theactions themselves within the broad context of current challenges. It recognizes that food

security implies access to adequate food and sufficient food supplies. Poverty reduction,social justice and sustainable food systems are essential conditions.

The Plan acknowledges the important role that civil society plays in contributing to foodsecurity and recognizes the achievements of the academic community and private sector

in expanding production and improving access to food since the global effort to endhunger began in earnest some 50 years ago. Information sharing, partnerships and

intersectoral cooperation play a key role in Canada's approach.


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The Plan is a work in progress which forms a basis for further discussions on thespecifics of implementation, including timing, roles and responsibilities, coordination

mechanisms and related actions. It is open-ended and flexible, adaptable to changingconditions and responsive to evolving needs. It is not an exhaustive inventory of existing

programs or planned actions; rather, it is a blueprint which sets out the highest priorities

as identified by members of the JCG. These priorities are outlined below. The order inwhich they appear does not reflect an order of importance but rather follows the order of

the seven commitments.

Priority 1: The right to food reiterates Canada's belief that this right is an importantelement in food security and underscores the need to better define the meaning of thisright, and the actions required to implement it. Actions include civil society support to theInternational Code of Conduct on the Human Right to Adequate Food, and all sectorparticipation in national and international efforts to clarify the meaning of the right to

food towards its full and progressive realization.

Priority 2: The reduction of poverty is an important element in the strategy for

addressing food insecurity in both domestic and international actions, based on the notionthat a key condition for food security is access to sufficient resources to purchase or grow

food. International actions are influenced by Canada's poverty reduction focus in itsdevelopment assistance program; actions include maintaining or exceeding the 25%Official Development Assistance (ODA) target for investments in basic human needs

such as food and nutrition, education and primary health care. The Plan also reaffirmsCanada's commitment to engaging citizens in policy making and program design in the

area of poverty reduction.

Priority 3: Promotion of access to safe and nutritious food is seen as a critical

component of food security. In developing countries, actions on micronutrient andvitamin supplementation of foods contribute to improved nutrition. Breastfeeding is also

highlighted as critical to infant health and nutrition worldwide. In Canada, commitmentto this is furthered through actions to support working mothers, hospital programs,mother and child health care and other initiatives in support of theInternational Code of

Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Beyond the promotion and protection ofbreastfeeding and other food security conditions, caring practices, and health and

education measures are important for the nutrition security of mothers and children,particularly, but not only, in developing countries.

Priority 4: Food safety underlines the new threats to global food supply posed by therapid increase and deep market penetration of new and exotic foods from a variety of

trading partners, which may constitute a safety or disease hazard; by environmentalcontaminants, especially in traditional food sources in Canada's Far North, which are alsoa threat to safety; and emergencies or disasters, which can cause problems such as

contamination from hazardous chemicals or disease-causing micro-organisms. Inaddition, lack of knowledge about preparation and storage of foods is identified as a

threat, mainly at the household level. Actions to ensure safe supplies and safe handling


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include enhanced public education, better product labeling, enhanced biotechnologyassessment, improved monitoring methods and stronger multisectoral partnerships.

Priority 5: Traditional food acquisition methods of Aboriginal and coastal

communities acknowledge the important role that hunting, fishing, gathering, bartering

and trading play in the food security of many communities in Canada and abroad. Bysharing their awareness of traditional foods and their knowledge of sustainable natural

resource practices, indigenous people have an important contribution to make inachieving the World Food Summit's goal. Actions related to the reduction of

environmental contaminants, sustainable management of resources (including fisheries)and appropriate supplementation with high-quality commercial foods, strengthen accessto food for these communities.

Priority 6: Food production emphasizes the critical role of research, rural development

and investment in the productivity of the agriculture and agri- food sector. This prioritymakes a strong link between the sustainable management of productive resources and theproduction of sufficient quantities of safe and nutritious food for all. It demonstrates the

need to support local production, particularly in developing countries, where agrarianreform, participation of affected communities (including women producers) and

fulfilment of basic human needs are essential to successful rural development programs.In Canada, actions aimed at enhancing agricultural production include: supportingsustainable resource management, continuing to invest in and build research capacity and

encouraging investment in rural areas.

Priority 7: Emphasis on environmentally sustainable practices explores some of themost pressing challenges to food production. Canada's actions in support of this priorityare channeled through its support to a wide variety of commitments under current

international agreements. Internationally, this covers specific challenges to developingcountries in such areas as water resource management, community forestry, sustainable

population growth and respect and preservation of indigenous knowledge. For Canada,additional actions complement these agreements to enhance stewardship of naturalresources in the areas of northern contaminants, sustainable fisheries management,

biotechnology, climate change and biodiversity.

Priority 8: Fair trade outlines the potential impact of liberalized trade regimes onincomes and overall welfare, and indicates the possibility that there may be adjustmentcosts in non-competitive sectors. Actions within this priority involve enhancing trade in

the food and agri- food sectors, particularly for developing countries, while achieving abetter understanding of the impacts of liberalized trade on people vulnerable to food

insecurity.

Priority 9: Acknowledgement of peace as a precursor to food security underlines the

need for safe and secure access to means of production, especially arable land andharvestable waters. Actions within this priority strengthen emergency measures, conflict

prevention, peacebuilding and disaster preparedness in Canada and abroad.


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Priority 10: A monitoring system for food insecurity identifies the need for acomprehensive set of agreed-upon indicators to determine the nature, extent and

evolution of food insecurity, both to develop appropriate responses and to monitor theireffectiveness. This Plan provides for both government and civil society to work toward

developing indicators for national and international systems and using them for

monitoring purposes.For the purpose of this document, "civil society" refers to organizations and associations of people, formedfor social or political purposes that are not created or mandated by governments. Included are non-governmental organizations, trade unions, cooperatives, churches, grass-roots organizations, academic

institutions, and business associations.


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Part I: Understanding Food Security

Defining Food Security

Today, on a global basis, the world produces enough food to feed everyone. However,there are countries, regions within countries, villages within regions, households within

villages, and individuals within households that are not able to meet their food needs. In1996, countries at the World Food Summit agreed that:

'Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access tosufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an

active and healthy life.'

Food security requires anavailable and reliable food supply at all times. At the global and

regional levels, the food supply can be affected by variations in the macroeconomic

environment and regional climatic phenomena, while at the national level, interruptions,such as natural disasters or civil strife, can seriously disrupt food production, orderlymarketing and the stability of the food supply. At the community and household level,poverty or gender inequality can influence the distribution and allocation of food

affecting individual food security even when the food supply is adequate.

Whether people grow their own food or buy it, their food security is essentially a matterof their access to food. The route to that access may be a dependable source of income orit may be the ability to acquire food through production. A dependable source of income

is determined by access to a wide range of factors such as: job or business opportunities;health, education and other characteristics which increase employability and productivity;

or the wherewithal to engage in barter or other acquisition methods. Production of foodsupplies for domestic consumption also depends on access to a mix of factors, including:natural resources, such as land; credit and agricultural inputs; health, education and

training for the producer; social and political peace; and so on. When these routes toaccess are blocked, people are often forced to rely on social support programs.

Individuals and households must have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food bothin quantity and quality to meet their daily dietary requirements for a healthy and

productive life. Food must also be culturally acceptable. For food security to be translatedinto adequate nutrition, people must also have access to adequate health services and to a

healthy and safe environment, including a safe water supply, and they must have the

capacity to provide appropriate caring practices for themselves and for the morevulnerable people in their family and their community.

Parallels in Canadian and International Food Security

Food security is multifaceted and is broader than being free from hunger. Food insecurity

can be manifested in many ways. It can be temporary or chronic and its severity can vary


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with age, status, gender, income, geographic location, ethnic or national affiliation and ahost of other factors. In every country, regardless of its wealth or level of poverty, people

can be food insecure.

Despite immense differences in per capita incomes, standards of living, resource

endowments and many other characteristics which separate countries - whether they aredeveloping, industrialized or in transition from a planned to a market economy - many of

the same basic dynamics are at work to create food insecurity. In examining Canada'sAction Plan, it becomes apparent that there are important parallels between Canada's

domestic and international food security concerns, although strategies to resolve themmay vary between countries and regions.

The notion of access to food as a basic human right is important for many people in themobilization of political will, multi-sectoral commitment and public support.

The question of access also revolves around issues of poverty and social justice. It is thepoorest and most vulnerable members of society - the people with no voice - who are the

most likely to be food insecure and the most powerless to change their circumstances. Allcountries must make special efforts to reach these populations, but efforts to improve

their situations must be sustainable. "Band-aid" measures, whether they be food banks oremergency food aid, only provide temporary relief. Enduring solutions involveempowering the food-insecure to help themselves.

Degradation of the natural resource base - land, water, air and genetic resources - impacts

on the availability of food for everyone. The impact of unsustainable natural resource andland use practices by all sectors can be compounded by cross-border and long-termenvironmental threats, such as air and water pollution and climate change.

Each country must implement agricultural and rural development policies and encourage

appropriate investment to support those communities and people in food producing areas.


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Canadian Perspective on Food Security


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Part II: Domestic Actions

Commitment One: An Enabling Environment

'We will ensure an enabling political, social and economic environment

designed to create the best conditions for the eradication of poverty andfor durable peace, based on full and equal participation of women andmen, which is most conducive to achieving sustainable food security forall.'

World Food Summit

Good Governance

Canadians are fortunate to live in a country where peace, democracy and human rights

are generally enjoyed and respected. Mechanisms have been established to ensureprotection of civil and human rights, and a strong and independent mass media facilitates

free discussion of public issues.

The national social safety net of income support, essential social services and human

resource development helps people to meet their basic needs and provides them withopportunities to improve their circumstances. Careful economic stewardship provides the

government with the necessary resources to support these programs while facilitatinggeneral economic growth.

Canada's traditional values of broad-based economic growth and social justice areessential underpinnings for food security. These values have an important role to play in

current restructuring and reform initiatives, such as those associated with Setting the

Stage for the Next Century: The Federal Plan for Gender Equality. Through this Plan, thefederal government is performing a gender-based analysis of federal policies and

legislation, which will help remove barriers and take women's gender-based concernsinto account in a wide range of areas, including those which impact on food security.

Civil society plays an important role in social, political and economic reform, throughpublic education, advocacy and participation in public policy formulation. The efforts of

civil society, together with information and awareness-raising programs by all levels ofgovernment, are essential in ensuring public engagement on issues related to food

security.


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Participation: an essential ingredient in attaining

food security

The Government of Canada is implementing

Gathering Strength: Canada's Aboriginal Action

Plan. It is working with Aboriginal organizationsand communities to develop effective, legitimate

and accountable Aboriginal self-government andincrease their participation in the design anddelivery of programs affecting their lives and

communities. This includes initiatives for improvingcommunity infrastructure on reserves, research anddevelopment in health and safety issues and access

to safe traditional foods.

Civil society-business partnerships

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food andRural Affairs has acted as an intermediary in

helping to bring together the organizers of

FoodShare Metro Toronto with representatives ofthe agriculture and food sectors in Ontario, to

discuss ways to enhance food security in Ontario.This approach has received the support of other civilsociety and industry groups and may set the stage

for discussion and creation of new partnerships

Actions

Undertake a major increase in efforts to educate Canadians about food security issues

and to support initiatives geared toward enhanced involvement of citizens in achievingcommunity food security. (All partners)

Encourage dialogue on food security issues that will translate to policy reflection and

change, based on public education, sound research and open and participatory

governance, in order to engage all sectors of the population and ensure that the needsand priorities of all are represented. (All partners)

The Right to Food

The right to food was identified as an important element for food security at the World

Food Summit. Internationally, the concept and its implications are still being defined andCanada is part of that process. Civil society feels that there is much that can be done inCanada to clarify its meaning and determine how to respect, protect and fulfill that right.

Public education and awareness will play an important role in this process. This will helpdefine the roles and responsibilities of governments, human rights bodies, civil societyorganizations and individuals in implementing the right to food.

Actions

Contribute to clarifying the content of the right to adequate food, as stated in theInternational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. (Federal government,

civil society)

Engage in domestic campaigns to promote the right to adequate food and theInternational Code of Conduct on the Human Right to Adequate Food. (Civil society)


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Commitment Two: Access to Food

'We will implement policies aimed at eradicating poverty and inequalityand improving physical and economic access by all, at all times, to

sufficient, nutritionally adequate and safe food and its effectiveutilization.'

World Food Summit

Poverty and Food Insecurity

The vast majority of Canadians are food secure; however, some groups of people may be

more at risk to food insecurity than others, as shown in a number of studies on food bankuse, poverty and dietary intake. While certain studies have identified a level of

vulnerability, they do not provide an accurate and comprehensive national measure of

food insecurity.

What is known is that poverty is one of several factors which impede access to sufficient,safe and nutritious foods. There are vulnerable people with low incomes who cannot meet

their food requirements without compromising other basic needs, such as shelter. Thosegroups most likely to be affected by low incomes in Canada include Aboriginal people,single mothers and their children, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and those

who have not completed high school.

Vulnerability to food insecurity exists when people find themselves without a secure oradequate income, are unemployed, or have limited education. This can be compounded

by difficulties in accessing appropriate social services, particularly among the aged andpeople with physical or mental disabilities, or with acute or chronic illness. This isespecially true for the homeless or socially isolated who are more difficult to reach.

Canada's social programs, which are administered by all levels of government, aredesigned to provide income support, help vulnerable people fulfill their basic needs, and

provide a basic level of services, such as health care, to all Canadians. In recent years,governments' efforts to reduce their debts and improve their financial situations have

obliged them to re-examine programs and better target vulnerable groups. While growthhas returned to the Canadian economy, there are still some people who are significantlypoorer than others. In order to help the m, governments must follow a balanced approach

of social investments and prudent financial management.

This restructuring has direct implications for poverty reduction and social justice, and, byextension, for food security. Continuing to help Canadians in this regard means ensuringadequate social investments, facilitating the effective use of limited resources and

engaging all concerned, especially the most vulnerable, in the decision-making process.A key challenge is to ensure that all Canadians have access to essential services no matter

where they live in Canada.


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In 1981, Canadian charities began setting up food banks as a temporary measure to help

people deal with emergencies. From 1989 to 1997, the use of food banks in Canadadoubled. The pressure on food banks to deliver other kinds of social services has also

increased well beyond their capacity to deal with them. Other services, run mainly by

civil society organizations, occasionally with support from provincial/territorial ormunicipal governments, include community kitchens and gardens, food-buying clubs,

and school-based breakfast and lunch programs. These services were also never intendedto be long-term solutions, and food banks and other community-based initiatives are now

looking to the larger environment for answers.

A recent study on poverty in Canada

Canada's National Council of Welfare (NCW)released a poverty profile in the spring of 1998.

Based on Low Income Cut-Offs (LICOs)*, theprofile painted a picture of increasing poverty forsome sections of the population, despite general

economic recovery. Incomes of the poorest 20% ofCanadians dropped in the 1995-96 period.

The NCW found that in 1996, the "national povertyrate" was 17.6%, rising from 17.4% in 1995 andfrom 13.6% in 1989. The hardest hit were single -

parent families in women-headed households withchildren under the age of 18. 61.4% of this groupfell below the NCW poverty line. Within this group,

those most affected were single mothers under theage of 25, of which 91.3% fell below the line. Thepercentage of Canadian children who slipped below

the NCW poverty line increased from 20.5% in

1995 to 20.9% in 1996.

* Although Statistics Canada's low income cut-offsare commonly referred to as official poverty lines,they have no officially recognized status nor does

Statistics Canada promote their use as poverty l ines.Not all individuals and families below this statisticallevel are food insecure.

Source: Poverty Profile 1996: A Report by theNational Council of Welfare, Spring, 1998

Food security in Quebec

In order to address social inequality and poverty, theMinistry of Health and Social Services of Quebec,

together with the regional boards, is planning toimplement a set of strategies and actions thatcontribute to the accessibility of sufficient,

nourishing, acceptable and reasonably priced foodto the population of Quebec, at all times and in fullrespect of their dignity. These actions and strategies

go beyond emergency food assistance andcontribute to the social development of acommunity, by supporting the development of

autonomy, the responsibility of persons and thepromotion of a new solidarity that enables people toimprove their living conditions.

Financial support is given to each region toencourage the development of pilot projects, such as

collective kitchens, food cooperatives, and food

buying groups with farmers and others. In addition,a research project evaluating the impact of these

recent interventions in food security is also underway.

Food banks - an indicator of food insecurity

The use of food banks in Canada has roughly doubled in the last decade, according to theCanadian Association of Food Banks*. A recent study released in 1998 by the Universityof Toronto** investigated the food security and nutritional vulnerability of a subgroup of

food bank users in Toronto, women with children. The study found that the householdincomes of 90% of the women participating in the study were less than 2/3 of Statistics

Canada's Low-Income Cut-Offs (LICOs). Over 93% of respondents reported some degree


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of food insecurity over the past year, despite their efforts to supplement their foodsupplies by occasional use of food banks or to increase their disposable income by

discontinuing telephone services or delaying bill payments. In addition to their ownhunger, more than 25% of the women also reported that their children had gone hungry

during the previous month. Further, a significant proportion of the women appeared to

have very low dietary intakes of iron, magnesium, vitamin A, folate, protein or zinc.

* Hunger Count 1997, Canadian Association of Food Banks** funded by Health Canada through the National Health Research and Development

Program

Actions

Include the participation of civil society in the current evolution of Canada's social

security system. (All levels of government)

In partnership with the provinces and territories, help prevent and reduce the depth of

child poverty and promote attachment to the work force through the National ChildBenefit System, an initiative that involves improved income benefits, programs and

services to families. (HRDC, provincial and territorial departments responsible for social

services)

Increase opportunities for labour force participation of persons with disabilities and

Aboriginal people. (HRDC)

Through all provinces and territories, increase the employability of young people

through targeted scholarships and job creation programs. (All partners)

Access to Safe and Nutritious Food

In Canada, the food supply provides safe and nutritious food at both the retail and foodservice levels. Systems are in place to ensure that policies governing food production,

composition (including addition of vitamins and minerals), preparation and labelingpromote the availability of safe foods that can support healthy eating to maintain and

improve the health of Canadians.

Globalization of trade and new technologies have given consumers more choices for their

food baskets and has introduced them to new and exotic foods; however, the safety offood imports requires monitoring. Emerging food-borne pathogens have also become

concerns and require vigilance. High levels of contaminants are threatening the safety ofsome traditional Aboriginal food sources, particularly in the Arctic region. This situationhas potentially serious consequences for Inuit communities.

New technologies in food production and processing, such as biotechnology, have health

and safety implications and undergo continuous evaluation. Systems are in place to assessthe safety of food produced by new technologies. Public apprehensions about the use of


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biotechnology in food production, including issues of product safety, quality and choice,need to be addressed through a variety of approaches, including active dialogue with

consumers.

Actions

Maintain high standards of food safety and nutrition, taking into consideration new

technologies of food processing and production such as biotechnology and geneticengineering. (HC, CFIA)

Support food safety education initiatives through multi-sectoral partnerships, such as theCanadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education. (HC, CFIA, private sector,

civil society, including consumer organizations)

Conduct appropriate surveillance programs to assess the need for new standards or riskmanagement activities. (HC)

Ensure the safety of domestic foods and imports and invest in the development of newmethodologies, both to detect and monitor food-borne pathogens and chemical

contaminants and to reduce contamination of foods during production or processing.

(HC, CFIA)

Review the findings of the Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Report (CACAR) in

relation to threats to Inuit traditional food sources and find ways to implement the

recommendations. (Aboriginal communities and organizations, federal, provincial andterritorial governments, the academic community and the private sector, i.e., natural

resource industries).

Reinforcing Healthy Eating Practices

The Canadian food supply can provide foods with nutritional characteristics that supporthealthy eating. An environment also needs to be created to enable Canadians - whether in

households, institutions, or private sector venues, such as stores and restaurants - to makeinformed choices for healthy eating. A key strategy in Canada's national nutrition plan

(see box) to strengthen healthy eating practices involves: community-based services thatinclude nutrition; schools that provide age-appropriate nutrition education; programs thatemphasize practical skill development in reinforcing positive food choices; media and

advertising which disseminate consistent, accurate messages; and food that is labeled tofacilitate knowledgeable choice.

One of the key actions identified in Canada's nutrition plan is the promotion andprotection of breastfeeding. Additional measures need to be taken to support the right of

women to breastfeed and the right of infants to be breastfed. For the majority of infants,breastfeeding is the most important guarantee of food security. It ensures a safe, secure

and nutritionally complete food source. Active support from all sectors of society willincrease breastfeeding initiation and duration rates, will lead to more public institutions


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being recognized as baby-friendly and will improve the food security, nutrition, healthand development of our infants. Currently in Canada, governments and other partners are

working to implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes(see page 33 for details) with a focus on education and he alth promotion.

Nutrition for Health: An Agenda for Action (1996)

Canada's nutrition plan identifies four strategies to promote health: reinforcing healthy eating practices,supporting nutritionally vulnerable populations, enhancing the availability of foods that support healthyeating, and supporting nutrition research. Some of its key actions relevant to food security include working

with social policy decision makers to address the needs of vulnerable people, developing a data base tobetter define the vulnerable populations and to better understand their food and nutrition issues, monitoringthe cost of a nutritious food basket and using this information in the development of education programs

and income support initiatives, and collaborating intersectorally to ensure food safety.

Actions

Implement actions in Nutrition for Health: An

Agenda for Action (1996), including:

work to include and maintain nutritionservices as part of comprehensive health

services in both existing and evolving

community-based and home-care settings;

improve the usefulness of nutritionlabeling, increase its availability and

broaden public education on its use;

work with the food services sector andpublicly funded organizations such as

schools, hospitals and government

agencies to promote the increased

availability of foods that support healthyeating. (All levels of government, civil

society, private sector)

Breastfeeding Initiatives

Through the Baby-Friendly Initiative, hospitals and

maternity services adopt practices which protect

breastfeeding, educate pregnant and lactating

women about the benefits of breastfeeding, train

health staff to protect and support the practice, and

refer mothers to support groups as part of normal

hospital routine. The Government of New

Brunswick has embarked on a major program

promoting breastfeeding in the public education

system and strongly emphasizes it in the curriculum

for all health professionals and health-related

organizations. These and other supportive practices

are promoted by the Breastfeeding Committee forCanada (BCC), a broad coalition of representatives

of national health and professional associations,

individuals and experts. The BCC aims to establish

breastfeeding as the cultural norm for infant feeding

in Canada.

Implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. (All levels ofgovernment, private sector, civil society and coalitions, e.g., the BCC)

Support the implementation of the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative(BFHI)/Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) in Canada, toward creating a global breastfeeding-

friendly environment. (All levels of government, private sector, civil society andcoalitions, e.g., the BCC)

Work toward employment conditions for women that are supportive of breastfeeding.(All levels of government, private sector, civil society and coalitions, e.g., the BCC)


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Traditional Food Acquisition by Aboriginal Communities

Many Aboriginal people in Canada, particularly in remote communities, experience all ormost aspects of food insecurity due to low incomes, safety risks due to pollutants in the

traditional food supply, quality problems associated with inappropriate shipping,

handling and home preparation of commercial foods, and disruptions to access caused byinterruptions in shipping or changes in animal migratory patterns. The cost of commercial

food is high, as is the cost of supplies for fishing and hunting.

The transition from a hunter-gatherer society to a cash-based society presents uniquechallenges to Aboriginal communities. More and more Aboriginal people are turning tocommercial foods, which are more expensive and not always as nutrient-dense as

traditional foods. A greater understanding of a range of issues - the role of commercialversus traditional foods, acquisition practices (which may include hunting, fishing and

gathering, trade, barter and sharing), the contribution of traditional foods to health, andmeasures required to ensure the sustainable, safe use of food resources - is necessary forthe food security and ultimately to the underlying values of many Aboriginal

communities. The challenge in achieving food security is to wisely manage this changingfood system in such a way as to reap the benefits from the best of both the traditional and

the commercial food systems.

Actions

Explore ways to share information regarding access issues for traditional and

commercial food supplies, to identify gaps in information needed by key partners and tomake linkages with work under way. (Aboriginal communities and organizations, federal,

provincial and territorial governments, academic community, private sector, e.g. natural

resource industries)

Work together to build the dimension of food security and traditional food access into

existing policies and activities that affect traditional food acquisition; for example, thepromotion of food security in sustainable development activities and health promotion.

(DIAND and its partners)

Fulfill commitments that are related to the safety and acquisition of traditional foodsidentified in current federal initiatives, such as Gathering Strength: Canada's Aboriginal

Action Plan and the Sustainable Development Strategies of the Department of Indian

Affairs and Northern Development and Health Canada. (DIAND, HC and their partners)

Continue to encourage Aboriginal participation in the fishery sector through the

Allocation Transfer Program (ATP), a component of the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy(AFS), which facilitates the voluntary retirement of commercial licences and issues new

ones to eligible Aboriginal groups and organizations in a manner that does not add to the

existing effort on the resource. (DFO).


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Monitoring System for Food Insecurity

In Canada, estimates of the nature, extent, distribution and evolution of food insecurityare extremely varied and there is no broad consensus around them. It is therefore difficult

to gain the necessary support for clear actions. There is a need for a common

understanding of the issues and an agreed-upon set of indicators for food insecurity.Many individual indicators now exist but they measure different facets of the problem

rather than giving a comprehensive national picture. This is an excellent example of anarea where intersectoral cooperation can result in a recognized and valid tool that is

generally accepted and can be used to monitor the situation. The results of suchmonitoring and their regular publication would provide solid information to guide foodsecurity actions in both policy and programming. They would also enhance pub lic

awareness of the issue.

Causes and consequences of food insecurity in Canada: One organization's

exploration

There are a number of studies under way which contribute to understanding foodinsecurity in Canada. For example, the department of Human Resources Development

Canada has devised a model that examines the relationships among conditions of foodinsecurity, nutrition insecurity and food poverty. It also looks at those at risk of suchconditions and the consequences for them.

The survey will study the severity and duration of concern that households experience

worrying about lack of food, compromising quality and eating insufficient quantity.Information to determine the causes of food insecurity, and to determine periodicity andcoping strategies, will also be collected. Results are expected in the year 2000.

Source: Lack of Food Security in Canada, Applied Research Branch, Human Resources

Development Canada.

Actions

Agree upon a set of domestic food insecurity indicators that can be used to assess the

extent and distribution of food insecurity across the country. (Federal, provincial andterritorial governments, civil society)

Establish a baseline of information on food insecurity indicators, including indicators ofnutritional status; provide ongoing monitoring; and ensure resulting information is

published regularly, incorporated into future policy and programming, and contributes to

international monitoring efforts. (Federal, provincial and territorial governments, civilsociety)


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The nutritious food basket

What does it cost to feed a family with food that is nutritious, acceptable and sufficient in quantity? This

question is being examined by a number of provinces and territories across the country. For example, the

government of Ontario's Ministry of Health revised its mandatory program guidelines for public health in

1997 to include annual monitoring of this expense. It now uses the information to promote and supportpolicy development to increase access to healthy foods. In another example, the federal government has

recently developed Alternative Northern Food Baskets that are useful in monitoring food costs in northern

Aboriginal communities. The nutritious food basket concept provides a useful indicator that can go a long

way toward monitoring of food insecurity conditions in communities across the country.

Commitment Three: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

'We will pursue participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries,forestry and rural development policies and practices in high and low

potential areas, which are essential to adequate and reliable food supplies

at the household, national, regional and global levels, and combat pests,drought and desertification, considering the multifunctional character of

agriculture.'

World Food Summit

As one of the world's major food producers and exporters, Canada has a well-organized

food and agricultural system. The food supply is safe, stable and abundant, it is availableat affordable prices in most parts of the country, and its quality is very high. In part, this

is due to Canada's resource base: abundant supplies of freshwater, forests, arable land,marine resources, minerals and sources of energy. In part, it is due to Canada's productive

and efficient agriculture and agri- food sectors, which have traditionally played a criticalrole in Canada's economic prosperity. Canadians are world leaders in agriculturalresearch and development, with recognized expertise in areas such as sustainable farming

practices, cooperatives, biotechnology and sustainable forest management.

Like other sectors in the economy, the agriculture and agri- food sector has undergone

major changes over the last decade. Industry rationalization and technological innovationin the food production and processing sectors have increased productivity, albeit with

newer and larger plants with fewer employees.

One of the key challenges in maintaining and increasing agricultural production in

Canada is to develop new technologies which protect the resource base and enhancelong-term competitiveness through value-added production. Research and development is

a multi-stakeholder activity involving government and civil society, including academics,the agri-food industry, voluntary and community-based organizations. The current focusin research includes protecting environmental health, identifying foreign pest threats,

controlling domestic crop problems, and contributing to the safety of food.


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In addition, continuing environmental challenges must be addressed if the resource baseis to maintain its long-term viability and to achieve the goal of sustainable food

production.

Among these challenges are: conservation of soil resources; improvement of surface and

groundwater quality; water quantity management; sustainable management of wildlifehabitat, assurance of air quality; mitigation of and adaptation to climate change; energy

efficiency; conservation of genetic resources; marine and coastal management; andmanagement of pollution and waste. As a signatory to a wide range of international

agreements on environmental matters, Canada has ongoing programming at all levels ofgovernment in agriculture, fishing, forestry, oceans management, pollution prevention,conservation of biodiversity, risk reduction, combating desertification, climate change

and many other areas.

For example, Canada is working toward a better understanding of the impact of climatechange on food production to develop mitigation and adaptation measures for foodproducers. The agriculture and agri-food sector, like all parts of Canadian society, must

also respond to the challenge of Canada's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol tolower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Current efforts to identify and apply methods to

not only reduce agricultural GHG emissions, but also to increase the capacity ofagricultural soils to store carbon dioxide, are being accelerated. Work is also under wayto explore the possibilities of treating forests as a means of carbon sequestration and

storage.

Protecting the land in New Brunswick

The Government of New Brunswick has created an

Agricultural Land Protection and Development Act

in response to concerns by New Brunswick farmers.The Act's purpose is to protect agricultural

operations and land now in use or deemed suitablefor future agricultural production. Farmers willcontinue to play a role in land use issues; under the

Act, farmers are part of the land-use planningprocess.

The Act's long-term goal is to retain agriculturalland for future generations. As an incentive, ownerswho register their land will receive a deferral of

property taxes. Provisions for protection of the landinclude the preparation of regulations specifyingpermitted land uses on such properties and

restricting encroachment by non-agricultural useson adjacent land. A system of public notification ofprotected land will be established using the Internet.

Joint Stewardship: managing Canada's naturalwealth

Environmental sustainability and self-reliance for

Canada's domestic fishing fleet are being pursuedthrough a policy and management shift toward co-

management between government fisheriesmanagers and fisheries stakeholders. This involvestraining for fish harvesters toward conservation

harvesting, responsible fishing, co-management andsustainability.

For First Nations communities, fisheries co-management arrangements are being extended toenhance access to nearby land and resource

opportunities, including commercial fishing.

Economic self-sufficiency for First Nations is also

being supported through the First Nations ForestryProgram. In a similar vein, the Model ForestProgram enhances opportunities for Aboriginal

people to demonstrate approaches to sustainableforest management that are based on Aboriginalvalues, beliefs and traditions.


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Another key challenge in maintaining production is to ensure the safety of our naturalresources. The federal government aims for the virtual elimination of the most dangerous

toxic substances from the environment and the development of more efficient processesto identify, screen, assess and manage toxic substances. Multisectoral cooperation is

important in this effort. An example of this cooperation is the voluntary, non-regulatory

initiative called Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics (ARET), which wasdeveloped by stakeholders from industry, health professional associations and

government.

Actions

Participate in the FAO Global System for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and

Agriculture, and in this context implement the Global Plan of Action on the Conservation

and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. (AAFC)

Implement the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy which includes strategic directions aimed

at the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in agricultural areas and

which other partners are using as a guide for action. (Federal, provincial and territorialgovernments, civil society)

Take all appropriate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (All partners)

Ensure stable sustainable fisheries, in cooperation with fish harvesters' organizations, by

bringing fishing fleets into balance with existing resources through fisheries management

measures (such as individual quotas), buy-backs, stock enhancement measures, etc.(DFO, civil society)

Implement the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Program (CFAR)which will reduce ground fish harvesting capacity, thereby enhancing resource

sustainability and will assist participants in adjusting into other economic sectors. (DFO)

Implement the new Strategies for Environmentally Sustainable Development as required

by the revisions to the Auditor General's Act. (Federal government departments, civil

society)

Implement effective, sound chemical management measures using the precautionary

approach combined with pollution prevention, legislative/administrative controls

supported by research and development. (EC, DFAIT, NRCan, HC/PMRA)

Implement the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/FAO Rotterdam

Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals andPesticides in International Trade through adoption or amendment of national legislative

measures (EC, HC)


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Implement the National Forest Strategy (1998-2003), Canada's blueprint for sustainableforest stewardship into the new millennium, and report on the implementation of criteria

and indicators for sustainable forest management. (NRCan)

Develop a Canadian Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing Operations in response to

the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. (DFO and its partners)

Promote and coordinate a World Fisheries Day in Canada. (Civil society)

Continue developing a Freshwater Strategy for human and environmental health.

(Federal, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal peoples, nationalstakeholders)

Research, develop, introduce and facilitate adoption of sustainable new crop protection

and production systems, including the enhanced application of integrated pestmanagement, and new stress-resistant and pest-resistant crop varieties. (AAFC,

HC/PMRA, provincial governments, civil society)

Research, develop and facilitate adoption of sustainable new animal protection and

production systems, including technologies and practices for improved management of

production by-products. (AAFC, DFO, CFIA, HC, civil society)

Increase use of suitably assessed marine biotechnology, such as fish vaccines and

diagnostic tests, to improve and safeguard fish and seaweed farming and to protect

ecosystems. (DFO, civil society)

Pursue pollution prevention by encouraging environmental and economic efficiencies

through waste reduction and measures to avoid the creation of pollutants as early in anactivity as possible. (All partners)

Commitment Four: Trade and Food Security

'We will strive to ensure that food, agricultural trade and overall trade

policies are conducive to fostering food security for all through a fair andmarket-oriented world trade system.'

World Food Summit

Canada views fair trade as a key component of food security. Positive contributions offair trade to food security include stimulating investment, gearing production to demand,increasing incomes and employment for many and offering consumers a broader choice

of foods. However, the transition to freer trade, coupled with the impact of othereconomic variables, can decrease incomes for certain segments of the population.

Without appropriate measures, food security for some Canadians may be compromised.


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As a major trading nation, Canada remains committed to more liberalized trade andcontinues to encourage the competitiveness of Canadian goods and services. Canadian

industry is supported through the provision of market intelligence and investmentincentives, development of rural communities and promotion of harmonized standards.

Canada seeks to provide leadership in developing and upholding open, fair andpredictable rules governing trade and investment which do not harm the environment or

threaten the food supply at home or abroad. Civil society plays an important role in theissue of sustainable resource use by raising public and industry awareness of socially and

ecologically responsible trade.

The Canadian government works with industry and other partners to improve and secure

market access to enable them to capture opportunities for trade in domestic and exportmarkets. The three aspects of its strategy are market access, market development and

investment.

Assessing the impact of trade liberalization

AAFC is carrying out a wide range of studies on the impact of trade liberalization on Canadian agricultureand agri-food industries. Among the issues under study are:

the impact of interprovincial trade barriers on the competitiveness and efficiency of the agri -foodindustry;

the implications of interprovincial trade liberalization for the dairy industry, by region, comparing costs; the trade effects of recent domestic policy changes in Canada, the United States, the European Union,Mexico and Japan on wheat, coarse grains and oilseeds, in terms of distortions to international prices and

export volumes; the impact of domestic and agri-food trade policies on Canada's rural areas, particularly rural businessdevelopment, employment, income and community growth; and

the impacts of global tariff reductions on the Canadian agri-food sector and in the functioning of world

markets.

Actions

Engage in factual and balanced discussions with civil society to review the relationship

between trade, trade agreements and food security. (AAFC, DFAIT)

Harmonize domestic with international food inspection and safety standards in a manner

that maintains public health protection and facilitates trade. (AAFC, CFIA, DFAIT, HC)

Identify methodologies for valuation of agricultural resources in a national accountingframework, and examine methods of accounting for the full range of environmental

benefits and costs of agricultural production. (AAFC).


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Commitment Five: Emergency Prevention and Preparedness

'We will endeavour to prevent and be prepared for natural disasters and

man-made emergencies and to meet transitory and emergency food

requirements in ways that encourage recovery, rehabilitation, developmentand a capacity to satisfy future needs.'

World Food Summit

Canada has a well-developed system of emergency preparedness, including enabling

legislation, extensive coordination facilities and well- trained human resources. Primaryresponses to disasters occur at the individual/household/ producer and community levels,where people are most affected. Then, if governments are needed, responses proceed

from the level closest to the people affected, to other levels if necessary.

The most common emergency-related threats to the food supply in Canada are weatherdisasters such as floods, droughts and hail storms. Environment Canada contributes tominimizing their impact by providing timely and accurate weather and environmental

predictions and warnings. It also carries out research in such areas as climate variabilityand large-scale climate drivers in collaboration with international partners. This

collaboration makes appropriate scientific expertise available for a wide range of policyand program consultations and adaptation activities.

Another emergency-related threat is potential contamination, mainly from disease-causing micro-organisms, but also from hazardous chemicals, either from spills, fires orexplosions, or from cross-contamination in food production or processing. A key

challenge for a country as large and as thinly populated as Canada is the need to maintaineffective communication, information sharing and coordination. There is also a need to

consider how natural hazards affect food security in the short term and in the longer termboth with respect to food production and access to traditional food sources.


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"Nice try, El Nio, but this is Canada!"

This quote from an Ontario man sums up Canada'sresponse to the great ice storm of January, 1998,

which cut power to communities across Eastern

Ontario, Southern Quebec and parts of AtlanticCanada. This posed an immediate threat to the

agriculture sector, which is heavily dependent onelectricity to keep animals warm, to harvest,process, ship and store perishable products such as

milk and meat, and to store seeds, feed and otherfoodstuffs. For the community at large, food storageand cooking, at home, in restaurants and in food

stores, was impossible.

Multi-level inter-sectoral coordination and goodwill

galvanized the relief efforts. Federal, provincial andmunicipal governments, partnered with communityorganizations and countless volunteers, set up

shelters, provided food supplies and equipment, andmade sure that everyone was taken care of. Manyprivate businesses pitched in too, providing needed

goods and services for the lowest rates they couldmanage. The Canadian army provided assistance tohydro crews, rescued abandoned and isolated people

and helped ship essential supplies and equipment.At the same time, the news media made heroicefforts to not only report on the situation as a news

story but also to provide information and contactsfor people needing help and to encourageemergency preparedness for the future.

Managing threats to the food supply

When outbreaks of food contamination occur, theCanadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

coordinates Canada's emergency response. The

Environmental Health Program and the FoodProgram in Health Canada work together to prepare

plans and procedures in support of the CFIA, andthe Food Program works with the Laboratory Centrefor Disease Control (Health Canada) on food-borne

outbreaks. This enables the CFIA to issue warningsor recalls as the situation demands.

Actions

Update systems to manage natural or man-made food-related emergencies. (HC/PMRA,

CFIA)

Extend and update the current system to address microbial threats to the food supply.

(HC/PMRA, CFIA)

Ensure a regulatory system is in place so that products of biotechnology, both living and

non-living, do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. (EC, HC/PMRA,CFIA).


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Commitment Six: Promoting Investment

'We will promote optimal allocation and use of public and private

investments to foster human resources, sustainable food, agriculture,fisheries and forestry systems, and rural development, in high and low-

potential areas.'

World Food Summit

Investment in production capacity, productivity improvements, marketing, human

resource development and related supporting infrastructure is essential to ensurecontinued economic viability for producers and processors. The long-term viability ofrural Canada (including coastal and isolated communities) is a key element to meeting

this goal. Many of these communities are facing similar concerns: young Canadians aremigrating to the urban areas, depriving their communities of needed skills, energy and

enterprise. Food-producing and other natural resource oriented communities in Canada

are affected by changes in the economy which lead to the need for new skills. Access tocapital and training, especially in new technologies, is essential if they are to thrive and

grow. And for many of the nine million rural Canadians who represent approximately onethird of the total Canadian population, their distance from urban centres makes access to

infrastructure and services, such as communications networks, both costly and difficult.The challenge is to provide rural employment opportunities for them that will enablethem to remain in, or return to, their home communities.

The Government of Canada promotes investment from both public and private sources tomeet these challenges. Public investment takes an integrated rural development approach

to enhance the quality of life in rural communities and allows rural Canadians to compete

in a global economy, so that they are able to contribute fully to the growth and stability ofCanada and continue to ensure food security for Canadians. Some of the key challengesfor rural communities include managing the resource base sustainably, developing localbusiness opportunities, and acquiring access to markets, information, capital, and other

services, such as education and training.

Canada's investment strategy in the agri-food sector is designed to make Canada apreferred location for investment in the agri-food industry for both domestic and foreigninvestors.

The challenges include informing potential investors about the investment climate in

Canada, encouraging an appropriate regulatory regime and encouraging greatercooperation between governments and industry.


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Increasing competitiveness: investing in

knowledge and technology

Agriculture and Agrifood Canada's Matching

Investment Initiative funds collaborative research

between Canadian government and industry todevelop and transfer new technology to the agri-

food sector. It has been applied to conservation ofgenetic resources, crop varieties and production andprotection systems, food and non-food products,

using both traditional and non-traditional systems,including biotechnology. A sample of currentprojects includes:

work to combat potato blight; optimal feed mixes of grass and legume silage; identification of pork genes responsible for

desirable meat characteristics; development of natural sweeteners; and new canola hybrids.

Canada's International Investment Promotion

Framework for the Agri-food Sector

The key objectives of this frame work are: to attract

foreign direct investment into the Canadian agri-food sector; to facilitate the establishment of new

strategic alliances and other partnerships; and tofacilitate the retention and expansion of existinginvestment and strategic alliances between

Canadians and foreign firms. The following areasare targeted for special attention:

hog production and processing; processed consumer products; agriculture and food biotechnology; nutraceuticals or functional foods; and industrial uses of agricultural products.

Actions

Through the application of a 'rural lens', adapt policies, programs and services to reflect

the social and economic realities of rural Canada, and ensure that rural communities inall regions of Canada share in the economic benefits of the global knowledge-based

economy. (Federal government)

Enhance accessibility to federal programs and services in rural areas. (Federal

government)

Identify and promote opportunities for domestic and international direct investment and

support related alliances in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. (AAFC)

Encourage venture capital funds for startup and expansion of agriculture and agri-foodrelated businesses. (AAFC)

Encourage the development of new technology and products by encouraging researchthrough tax regimes, centres of excellence and the Matching Investment Initiative.

(AAFC, Finance).


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Part III: International Actions

Commitment One: An Enabling Environment

'We will ensure that an enabling political, social and economicenvironment is designed to create the best conditions for the eradication of

poverty and for durable peace, based on the full and equal participation ofwomen and men, which is most conducive to achieving sustainabledevelopment for all.'

World Food Summit

Individual countries are primarily responsible for creating the policy and institutionalclimate conducive to food security. However, Canada, as part of the international

community, plays an important role in supporting their efforts. As a charter member and

prominent participant in the multilateral system, through, for example, the Organizationfor Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the G7, the United Nations (UN),the Bretton Woods institutions and the World Trade Organization, Canada works withothers to support an enabling global environment conducive to world food security.

Canada's long tradition of respect for democracy, good governance and human rights

underlie both its domestic and international relations. A key element in Canada'sapproach at both the multilateral and bilateral levels is the promotion of policiesconducive to a stable macroeconomic environment. The promotion of such policies

focuses attention on the need to increase employment, enhance opportunities forinvestment, reduce poverty and provide social security programs as the basis for

improving access to food. Improving the enabling environment also includes providingassistance in areas such as land tenure, access to credit, and removal of monopolies andother distortions in the distribution of food. As the lead player in delivering Canada's

ODA, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) supports programming indeveloping countries and in countries in transition, by providing technical assistance at

the micro and meso level to complement the macroeconomic framework.

In addition, strengthening civil society and facilitating openness and transparency in

public administration enhances public participation in governance and providesvulnerable groups, such as minorities, women and indigenous peoples, with a voice in

decisions affecting them. In order to achieve food security for all, countries must

overcome systemic discrimination embedded in laws, customs, attitudes, and publicpolicies and programs.


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Women feed the world

Women play key roles in food security in developing countries, as the major producers of food fordomestic consumption, as earners of income necessary to purchase food and as providers of care practices

essential to proper nutrition. Women produce up to 80% of household food in Sub-Saharan Africa, 65% in

Asia, and 45% in Latin America and the Caribbean*. However, in many cases, they do not have equalaccess to land, credit, training, information or inputs (seeds, tools and fertilizer). As income earners,

women typically spend a higher proportion of their incomes on food for the family. Yet they do not haveequal access to the resources that will enhance their earning power, such as education, credit, job and careeropportunities or support services such as child care.

In their family role, women are almost exclusively responsible for family nutrition, including the factorswhich affect it, such as health care, supply of safe water and sanitation, and child and elder care. Many

governments are reducing their support to social programs due to budget constraints, adding to women'sdomestic workload and reducing their opportunities to earn income outside the home.

Canada supports programs in developing countries which facilitate access to credit, inputs, land ownershipand education and training for poor women. This makes a significant contribution to women's capacity tobuy or grow food. Through these investments, Canada can help increase food security in the regions where

the need is the greatest.

* Women: The Key to Food Security, International Food Policy Research Institute, October 1995

Actions

Provide technical assistance bilaterally, through the multilateral development system,

and partners to support efforts of developing countries and countries in transition to putin place policies, legislation and programs conducive to sustainable development,

poverty reduction and food security. (CIDA, civil society)

Promote the participation of all stakeholders in the development of food securitysolutions at the national and community level. (CIDA, civil society)

Promote the democratic process of free and open elections, good governance, public

participation, freedom of speech, the rule of law and the protection of basic human rights

in all international fora, bilateral relations and technical assistance programs. (CIDA,

DFAIT, civil society)

Support developing country implementation of the Platform for Action from the Fourth

World Conference on Women. (CIDA, civil society)

Support the effective implementation of the Highly Indebted Poor Country Debt Initiative.(CIDA, Finance)

Encourage developing countries and countries in transition to adopt stable monetary and

fiscal policies which will achieve sustainable and equitable economic growth and

increase access to food. (CIDA, DFAIT, Finance)


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Promote efficiencies in the food processing and distribution systems of developingcountries and countries in transition which could lead to lower food prices paid by

consumers and increased prices paid to food producers. (CIDA, DFAIT, AAFC, civil

society).

Commitment Two: Access to Food

'We will implement policies aimed at eradicating poverty and inequality

and improving physical and economic access by all, at all times, tosufficient, nutritionally adequate and safe food and its effective

utilization.'

World Food Summit

Poverty Reduction

Canada's approach to poverty reduction is to help countries and communities address theroot causes and structural factors of poverty and focus on building people's self- reliance.

This means ensuring equal political, social and economic opportunities for vulnerable anddisadvantaged groups, including minorities and indigenous peoples, and the full and

equal participation of men and women in the development of their communities.

This involves recognizing and developing the potential of the poor, through education

and the provision of basic needs, increasing their productive capacity through trainingand access to productive resources and reducing barriers limiting their participation insociety. All of these factors have the potential to either increase the incomes or increase

the food production of the poor.

Canada's primary channel for addressing global poverty is through its ODA program. Thepurpose of this program is to support sustainable development in developing countries inorder to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous

world. Each of CIDA's six programming priorities - basic human needs, women/genderequality, infrastructure services, human rights/democratic development/good governance,

private sector development and the environment - contribute both directly and indirectlyto the reduction of poverty.

Within this framework, one of the ways Canada targets the poor is through its food aid

strategy, which takes a developmental as well as an emergency approach to the deliveryof food aid. For example, food-for-work projects not only make food immediatelyaccessible to the food-insecure, they can also help ensure future food security by allowinghouseholds to maintain and build their productive capital while building up agricultural

infrastructure, such as irrigation works or farm-to-market roads.

Over the course of the last decade, Canada has joined others at major UN conferences, inagreeing to specific targets and actions in these areas. In 1997, Canada joined with other


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OECD members to accept a target of reducing by one half the proportion of people livingin absolute poverty by the year 2015.

Given the close relationship between poverty and food security, poverty reduction

programming within the above six priorities will contribute directly to the World Food

Summit's goal. As a result of the World Food Summit, CIDA has identified aresponsibility centre in the Agency for food security and is reviewing how the impact of

CIDA's poverty reduction efforts on food security can be enhanced.

Actions

Review existing programs related to food security, involving the most vulnerable groups,

and establish options for increasing the impact of ODA on those who are most food

insecure. (CIDA, civil society)

Continue to support the efforts of developing countries to reduce poverty, and specifically

to support their efforts to meet the international target of reducing by one half the

proportion of people living in absolute poverty by the year 2015. (CIDA, civil society)

Remain committed to the UN's ODA target of 0.7% of gross national product and

increase aid levels toward that goal as the fiscal situation permits. (Federal government)

Meet the government's target of devoting at least 25% of the ODA budget to investments

in basic human needs, including food and nutrition, basic education and primary health

care in order to reduce poverty through sustainable development. (CIDA, Finance)

Nutrition and Effective Utilization

Improving access to food and/or the means of production is not enough to ensure food

security. People should have enough nutrients, energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals toenable them to lead a fully productive life. Food should be safe and nutritionallyadequate. To a large extent, nutritional adequacy and safety is related to physical and

economic access to good quality food, education, primary health care, potable water andsanitation, and fuel. Canada supports the promotion of good nutrition through a variety of

projects which recognize nutrition both as its own sector and the impact to be derivedfrom integrating nutrition with other sectors such as health and education. Canada hasplayed a leadership role in micronutrients, including efforts to increase food fortification

and micronutrient supplementation.

Breastfeeding has a dramatic impact on the food security of infants, playing a key role intheir nutrition, health and development. The World Health Organization estimates thatthe death of 1.5 million babies annually could be averted with adequate breastfeeding.

While mindful of the health concerns related to the potential transferability of HIVthrough breast-milk, Canada remains strongly supportive of the re-establishment of a

culture of breastfeeding around the world.


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Actions

Continue to support and promote enhancements to the nutritional adequacy of foods

through support to efforts to eliminate Vitamin A deficiency, iodine deficiency disorders

and to reduce iron deficiency anemia by the year 2000, including supporting the

Micronutrient Initiative. (CIDA, IDRC, civil society)

Support research currently under way through the Consultative Group on InternationalAgricultural Research (CGIAR), which is addressing micro-nutrient deficiency through

nutritional enhancement of common food crops. (CIDA, IDRC)

Continue to promote the implementation of the Code of Marketing of Breast-milk

Substitutes and support international efforts, and those of developing countries, to

protect, promote and support breastfeeding and enhanced education and empowerment

of women to provide good nutrition for themselves and their families. (DFAIT, CIDA,civil society).

Implementing the Code in developing countries

The Code of Market ing of Breast-milk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May

1981. It seeks to protect the right of every child to be adequately nourished as a means of attaining andmaintaining health.

It aims to protect this right by ensuring that breast-milk substitutes are not marketed or distributed in waysthat may interfere with breastfeeding. The Code stipulates that parents are not to be exposed to advertisingthat implies that artificial feeding is equivalent to or superior to breastfeeding.

The World Health Assembly has urged all Member States to translate the Code into national legislation,regulations or other suitable measures.

A sample of current initiatives funded by CIDA which promote breast-feeding includes support forresearch in Zimbabwe on Vitamin A supplementation at birth to reduce HIV transmission and another

study assessing the feasibility and acceptability of using breast-milk retinol as an indicator of Vitamin Astatus.

Commitment Three: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

'We will pursue participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries,

forestry and rural development policies and practices in high and lowpotential areas, which are essential to adequate and reliable food supplies

at the household, national, regional and global levels, and combat pests,drought and desertification, considering the multifunctional character ofagriculture.'

World Food Summit


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Most of the world's arable land is already under production, with little prospect forsignificant expansion using current

Canada Action Plan Food Security

Documents

Transcript of Canada Action Plan Food Security