On Nov. 8, Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski’s (NDP) 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, moved to the Senate with unanimous support at third-reading in the House of Commons.

“Local food is so important to Canadians, their families, and communities from coast to coast to coast,” said Stetski. “Supporting local food promotes tourism, local economies, food security and health, and greatly benefits the environment and the fight against climate change by reducing the carbon cost of our food. Once again, I am proud that this Bill has moved ahead with unanimous support at all stages, and would like to thank all my colleagues in the House of Commons for their support.”

Establishing a National Local Food Day would give all Canadians an opportunity to celebrate our 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.

“New Democrats know that food matters to Canadians throughout the country – from farm to factory to fork,” added Stetski. “I look forward to this Bill moving through the next stage of the legislative process, and hope that Senators, regardless of affiliation, will support a National Local Food Day without delay.”

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