Integrative Governance for Ecological Public Health: An Analysis of ‘Food Policy for Canada’ (2015-2019)

Abstract

Normatively grounded in the ecological public health paradigm, this paper speaks to the role of public policy in addressing food and nutrition-related health challenges through a critical analysis of the 2019 Food Policy for Canada (FPC). We draw on primary data gathered through a SSHRC-funded Partnership Grant, Food: Locally Embedded, Globally Engaged (FLEdGE). Qualitative research methods include interviews with key stakeholders and policy makers, critical review of national food policy consultation documents, participant observation in government-, industry- and civil society-led conversations about the food policy, as well as an investigation of stakeholder responses to the FPC announcements of 2019. Our analysis focuses on how Canada’s new food policy: adopts an integrative, pan-Canadian approach; explicitly connects health and environmental dimensions of food; augments food security in a systematic way; addresses unique food security and health issues facing Indigenous Peoples; improves the health of food environments, such as those in Canada’s schools; and, meaningfully includes relevant stakeholders in food system governance. Against these expectations, we assert that the Food Policy for Canada does not yet provide an integrative, systems-based approach to addressing food and nutrition-related health issues consistent with the ecological public health approach, despite significant progress made. We conclude by proposing a research agenda for tracking Canada’s food policy implementation and development going forward.

Civil society engagement in food systems governance in Canada: Experiences, gaps, and possibilities

“…Through the establishment of the Ad Hoc Working Group for Food Policy Governance, a wide range of food and agricultural groups, CSOs, and industry actors called for a mechanism through which the government would "proactively engage with these diverse stakeholders to provide ongoing input into the implementation of A Food Policy for Canada" (Ad Hoc Working Group for Food Policy Governance, 2017, p. 4). Following the Government of Canada's launch of the country's first Food Policy for Canada (FP4C) in 2019, the efforts by food and agricultural groups, CSOs, and industry actors contributed to the establishment of a new advisory body to the Minister of Agriculture in 2021, the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2021; Andrée et al, 2021). At the regional level, food policy groups (FPGs) have grown in number and scope over the past decade (Blay-Palmer, 2009;Levkoe et al, 2021;Mendes, 2008).…”

The role of Australian civil society organisations in food system governance: Opportunities for collaboration in dietetics practice

“…It is possible that the creation of dedicated food and nutrition policies by Australian local, state and federal governments could create avenues for greater engagement with food‐system‐based CSOs: such policy frameworks are rare, but starting to increase, at the local government level 46 and currently absent at state and federal levels in Australia. However, multi–stakeholder bodies (including CSOs) advise on national food system policy development and implementation in countries such as Canada, Norway and Brazil 47 . Finally, there appears to be scope for CSOs to collaborate further and to coordinate advocacy and lobbying efforts to create a collective voice for change.…”

“…However, multi-stakeholder bodies (including CSOs) advise on national food system policy development and implementation in countries such as Canada, Norway and Brazil. 47 Finally, there appears to be scope for CSOs to collaborate further and to coordinate advocacy and lobbying efforts to create a collective voice for change.…”

Beyond GDP: Lessons for Redefining Progress in Canadian Food System Policy

“…This was accompanied by the creation of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council (Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, 2021) to inform ongoing federal policy efforts. While these advancements mark a notable step toward coordinated food system policy development, food policy advocates have responded that the policy falls short in key dimensions of wellbeing (Andree et al, 2021;Food Secure Canada [FSC], 2019; Macrae, 2019). Such outcomes however are not surprising if policy remains embedded in a larger growth-focused framework where GDP is a primary metric of success.…”