The Conservative platform focuses more on agriculture and farmers than food, although it does mention the creation of a national farm and food strategy to guide federal policy.
New export markets beat out local food initiatives.
In the last budget, the Conservatives tabled a proposal to inject $50-million over two years into agricultural innovation. Their platform promises creation of an “Agriculture Innovation Initiative, to support local farm-based research and development projects.”
Ag, not food
“Whatever it is that drives the best return to a farmer,” said former agriculture minister Gerry Ritz.
Green
Of the federal food platforms, the Green Party has the only policy that mentions the link between agriculture and climate change.
Reward farmers for switching to organic production methods; strengthen Canadian organic standards; implement strict monitoring of pesticides.
Expand domestic food production and procurement with “200-kilometre diet” promotion; expand farmers' markets and culinary tourism, rooftop gardens, urban agriculture and seed banks.
Reform agricultural regulations “to challenge corporate concentration;” reform farm income supports; encourage grocery retailers to make shelf space for local foods.
Establishment of greenhouse gas emission targets in collaboration with industry.
Liberals
Announced with much fanfare last April by Leader Michael Ignatieff, the Liberal food platform aims to be Canada's first national food policy. It is the brainchild of Carolyn Bennett, Liberal candidate for the west Toronto riding of St. Paul's.
Promotion of healthier living with education programs for children; improved food labelling; tough new restrictions on trans fats and sodium.
$50-million injection to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to ramp up inspections on imported food; full review of federal agencies responsible for food safety.
A mass review of Canada's entire agriculture file, from subsidies to research and innovation.
Rewards for farmers who set aside land for wildlife habitats or carbon sequestering; quadruple clean-energy production.
Expand export markets for Canadian food and beverage producers.
NDP
The NDP food platform is the thickest of those of the federal parties, and is the most focused on the development of regional food systems. Belief that access to and sustained production of healthy food is critical to Canada's future. New labelling laws will help consumers identify healthy foods and genetically modified ingredients.
Educate students on how to produce and prepare nutritious foods.
Boost support to Canadian producers and local food networks by supporting farmers' markets, agriculture co-operatives and alternative regulation for small-scale operators.
Review the impact of trade agreements to assess threats to domestic food security.
Improve young farmers' access to arable land and training.
I am very exited to vote and I think that I am going to vote Conservative because their platform is focused on helping farmers and the industry rather than food and the environment. I hope that this post will help you make a decision with your food supply in mind.
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