Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a great “agvocate” whom many of my colleagues from the Agriculture and Forestry Committee would know — Anita Stewart, the founder of Food Day Canada. Sadly, Anita passed away last week at the age of 73, after losing her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Anita was a food activist, a cookbook author, and the first Canadian food laureate at the University of Guelph. She was a champion of local food and of the stories behind the food. I had the privilege of collaborating with Anita a number of times and found her to be a staunch supporter of the Canadian agricultural industry. Her spirit and passion for Canadian cuisine from coast to coast to coast, and the people who grew, harvested and cooked it were unrivalled.

In fact, Food Day Canada, which falls on the August long weekend of each year, was born from Anita’s concern for beef farmers during the 2003 BSE crisis. That year, she organized what she called the “world’s longest barbecue,” where she invited her network of friends, farmers and chefs to share their recipes using Canadian beef. It evolved into what we know today as Food Day Canada, where Canadian food is promoted, celebrated and shared across this great country.

Anita was a trailblazer who made a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of the Canadian food system. She will be missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the legacy of her recipes and cookbooks, her family and in Food Day Canada.

My very sincere condolences are with her children, Jeff, Brad, Mark, and Paul, and their families. Anita, rest in peace. Thank you. Meegwetch.