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Toronto – October 19, 2016  – UFCW Canada recently joined over 700 food activists at Ryerson University for the Food Secure Canada (FSC) 9^th National Assembly. The annual gathering brings together community activists, policy makers, Indigenous leaders, and other key sector stakeholders from across the country to engage in insightful discussions on Canada’s food policies and industry.

Centred on the theme of “Resetting the Table,” this year’s assembly focused on building opportunities to shape and engage with the federal government’s newly-announced initiative on the development of a national food policy. Through a wide range of seminars, panel discussions, and networking events, participants explored food policy changes, health and sustainability issues, collaborating for change, working across differences, and examining the role that youth play in the food sector.

A key reason for UFCW Canada's participation in the event was to ensure that the voices, needs, and interests of food workers were represented and heard as part of the assembly’s far-reaching discussion on Canada’s national food policy, which is currently being considered by the federal government. Consultations are to begin in 2017.

At the assembly, UFCW Canada participated in a panel on “Good Jobs and Justice in the Food Chain,” where Canada’s leading voice of food workers discussed the important work that we are doing to bring dignity and respect to food workers throughout the country.

In addition to workshop participation, UFCW Canada led the way in our social media coverage of the conference, live tweeting throughout the event and posting numerous updates on Facebook using the hashtags #ufcw and #ResettingTheTable.

“As the leading voice of food workers, it is integral for UFCW to be at the forefront of discussions regarding food and food policy in Canada,” says UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema. "Events like the FSC National Assembly provide our union with an opportunity to share members’ concerns and stories, learn from others working in the food industry, and raise awareness of the essential role that UFCW Canada members play in the Canadian food production and retail sectors,” he adds.