2013:01 FACILITATING NUTRITIOUS FOOD CHOICES
Whereas 1 obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in both adults and children are huge and growing problems in Canada brought on largely by the consumption of unhealthy foods; and
Whereas 2 there are many factors leading to a poor diet such as:
a. the use of time-saving processed foods, many of which contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and salt,
b. false or misleading health claims on labels by food producers,
c. promotion of unhealthy foods in the media and grocery outlets, often aimed toward children; and
d. lack of knowledge of good nutrition; and
Whereas 3 under the Regulations of the Food and Drugs Act (FDA The Act) there is a lack of clarity for food labelling and advertising requirements, with some being mandatory and some voluntary; and
Whereas 4 the federal government has constitutional powers to enact health-related laws; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that:
a. the amount of sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fat in processed food be restricted;
b. food labels be accurate, understandable, readable, and complete, including in-store baked products;
c. promotion of unhealthy food, particularly aimed toward children, be eliminated; and
d. comprehensive nutrition education programs be undertaken; and be it further
Resolved 2 that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to take action to improve the nutrition of all Canadians through federal legislation that:
a. restricts the amount of sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fat in processed food;
b. ensures all foods are labelled accurately according to scientific data and contain no false or misleading health claims, be understandable, readable, and complete, including on in-store baked products;
c. eliminates promotions of unhealthy food, particularly those aimed at children; and
d. directs the Public Health Agency of Canada to work with the provincial and territorial governments to conduct education campaigns on good nutrition; and be it further
Resolved 3 that NCWC urge the Provincial Councils of Women to urge their respective Provincial Governments to:
a. pass legislation that requires schools to teach nutrition as a compulsory subject and to offer only nutritious food in their cafeterias and vending machines;
b. promote and support organizations that provide programs for the general public on buying, preparing, and serving healthy nutritious meals at minimal cost.