New Guide to better reflect Canada's cultural diversity
2005-117November 3, 2005For immediate release
OTTAWA -- Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh today announced that Health Canada will hold a one-day stakeholder meeting in Ottawa on November 24, 2005 to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions and take part in a discussion on specific content issues related to the revised Food Guide. On that day, a six-week online consultation will be launched to gain input from Canadians on proposed content and draft designs of the revised Food Guide.
"Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating is a key tool to assist Canadians in making healthy food choices," said Minister Dosanjh. "The Food Guide belongs to all Canadians, and as such, Health Canada wants to hear from interested Canadians during this revision stage."
While the results of an extensive review of the Food Guide confirmed that it continues to promote a healthy pattern of eating, issues were identified about the way that Canadians use and understand the guide. As a result, Health Canada decided to revise Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.
The proposed changes to the Food Guide are designed to reflect the current scientific evidence as well as take into account a number of other important considerations. First and foremost, the Food Guide must continue to meet the nutrient needs of Canadians while reducing their risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. It will reflect Canada's current food supply by recommending foods that are available, affordable and reflect the country's cultural diversity. Given the importance of the guide as a tool to promote healthy eating among all Canadians, it needs to meet the needs of health professionals, educators and consumers alike.
"By making sure the new Food Guide is relevant to all Canadians, we not only ensure its inclusiveness but we also provide Canadians with an array of healthy choices that better reflects the multicultural profile of Canada," says Minister Dosanjh.
Throughout the revision, Health Canada has consulted with a variety of stakeholders, including non-government organizations, academics, consumers and industry. Canadians from coast to coast, from varying backgrounds, areas of expertise and interest, have contributed to the development of the proposed new guide. The one-day stakeholder meeting and the online consultation is one more step in Health Canada's ongoing efforts to consult with Canadians.
To participate in the online consultation, Canadians are asked to visit Health Canada's consultations page at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/consultations after the launch.
For more information on the Food Guide revision, continue to visit Health Canada's website at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/foodguide
The revised Food Guide is scheduled to be released in Spring 2006.
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Carole Saindon
Health Canada
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Office of the Minister of Health
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