Speech from the Throne highlights key issues for dietitians

Wednesday's Speech from the Throne highlighted key issues that matter to dietitians in Canada including standards in Long Term Care, rising rates of household food insecurity and unsafe drinking water as well as access to dietitians and support for those who are self-employed. 
 
Dietitians of Canada is ready to contribute to the development of National Standards for Long Term Care. A recent scan by Dietitians of Canada found standards vary widely across Canada, creating inequities. COVID-19 has underscored the need for National Standards, long called for by dietitians.
 
Dietitians of Canada has also advocated to the government for an income-based solution to rising rates of household food insecurity and action on unsafe drinking water in Indigenous communities for many years. We were concerned by the lack of details in the Speech from the Throne and urge the government to prioritize actions in this area.
 
Many dietitians and their clients and patients have embraced virtual care, which has the potential to improve access to effective nutrition care, especially in rural and remote communities. We applaud actions to improve access and connectivity.
 
Finally, we were pleased to see a commitment to continue financial support for self-employed Canadians who have been impacted by COVID-19, including many dietitians.
 
Dietitians of Canada will continue to work with governments and stakeholders on these and other actions to support the health of Canadians through COVID-19 and in the long term.