As highlighted in the recent Speech from the Throne, our Government is committed to supporting Canadians and their families. One of the promises we made in the Throne Speech was to consult with parents and consumers on how our Government will improve the way nutritional information is presented on food labels. We have started that process. Over the coming months, we'll be conducting face-to-face consultations to gather information about what food-labelling changes you require in order to make healthier and informed food choices. We're also giving Canadians the opportunity to provide their input online. We'll use the information we receive to develop specific suggestions for change that will be the focus of a future round of consultations.
Foods are labelled with important nutrition information including a list of ingredients and a Nutrition Facts table that includes calories and 13 core nutrients. Nutrition labelling is an important public health tool that can help Canadians make healthier food choices to improve their health and help reduce their risk of obesity and chronic diseases.
Canada is a world leader in the area of nutrition labelling and was one of the first countries to require mandatory nutrition labelling on pre-packaged foods. We are striving to improve the information on food labels so that we can continue to improve the health of Canadians.
As Minister of Health, I'm proud of our Government's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about healthy eating, and adopt policies that protect the health of Canadians. I value your feedback and hope you will take part in this consultation process by answering the five questions on the page that follows.
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
