OTTAWA – Food Day Canada, an initiative started by an Elora resident will officially be recognized across Canada.
Bill S-227, also known as the ‘Food Day in Canada Act’ was passed in Parliament on Monday giving Food Day Canada recognition as an annual day of celebration by the Parliament of Canada.
This official recognition from the federal government comes as the event is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary, on August 5th.
The bill also recognizes the late Anita Stewart of Elora for her lifetime of agriculture and food advocacy in Canada.
The Food Day Canada event was founded in 2003 by Stewart in response to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis, which threatened the Canadian beef industry.
The event was first known as the World’s Longest Barbecue and has since grown into a national event in celebration of Canadian culture, cuisine, and ingredients across the country.
In a press release Senator Rob Black, who first introduced the bill in November of 2021 said “This event will give Canadians an opportunity to thank the farmers who put food on our tables, every summer for years to come.”
MP John Nater said, “This summer, and for every year to follow, we will together recognize the work of our farmers, fishers, processors, chefs, and everyone along the food supply chain who not only feeds us but also enriches our diverse national culture.”
Food Day Canada will officially be recognized later this week when it receives royal assent from Governor General Mary Simon.
