QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
National School Food Program
November 28, 2024
My question is for Senator Gold.
Senator Gold, last week, the government proposed a temporary GST/HST exemption on certain junk foods, such as candy, chips and chocolate. This measure will inevitably lead to children in Canada eating more of these products.
This announcement comes just as our Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee is wrapping up its study of Bill C-252, which seeks to prohibit the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, a bill that has the government’s support. This announcement also comes at a time when the government is introducing measures to promote healthy eating in schools, namely Canada’s National School Food Program.
While I commend the government for its desire to offer taxpayers some tax relief this holiday season, I don’t think its rhetoric is entirely consistent with healthy eating.
How does the government reconcile these different measures?
Thank you for your question, senator. I also want to thank you for mentioning this important bill, as well as the National School Food Program, which will providing healthy meals to more than 400,000 kids at school and save families money in the process.
Canadians are facing real challenges, which is why the government is committed to supporting families and making life more affordable.
That’s why the government has announced a series of measures, including $10-a-day day care that will save families thousands of dollars every year.
The GST holiday will help cover seasonal expenses so Canadians can focus more on celebrating with family and friends and worry less about the family budget.
As for your specific question, it’s the holidays, and it’s not the government’s job to tell families what to give kids when they celebrate together this holiday season.
I fully understand, and I appreciate this issue.
In terms of Canada’s National School Food Program, how and when does the federal government intend to sign agreements with all provincial and territorial governments? To my knowledge, only three provinces, namely Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba, have signed agreements so far.
Thank you for the question and thank you for bringing more attention to this important program.
As you know, some provinces have already signed agreements. I believe that the work to sign agreements with the other provinces is ongoing and that the government hopes it will soon have more good news to share with Canadians.
