Dietitians of Canada applauds new Food Guide, calling it relevant, modern and evidence based
OTTAWA, ON —Dietitians of Canada proudly joined Federal Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, this morning at the launch of the new Canada’s Food Guide. Speaking at the event, CEO Nathalie Savoie commended Health Canada on the meticulous revision process and the resulting Guide which she described as relevant, modern and evidence-based.
“What is striking about the new Canada’s Food Guide is the shift to a broader approach – talking not only about what Canadians should eat, but also how they should eat,” said Savoie. “We fully support the direction of Canada’s Food Guide with its suite of tools, including the robust, thoughtful and up-to-date Dietary Guidelines for Health Professionals and Policy Makers. The recommendations and online tools for consumers are easy to understand, evidence informed and in line with the type of guidance that dietitians already use with their patients, clients and communities.”
The comprehensive Dietary Guidelines include key considerations, recognizing the importance of traditional foods for Indigenous Peoples, cultural diversity and environmental sustainability, all of which Dietitians of Canada strongly supported throughout the consultation process. The launch also represents a bold and courageous step for health promotion in Canada, foundational to all policy elements in Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy and as an essential pillar within current interdepartmental work towards A Food Policy for Canada.
Of note, the introduction in the Dietary Guidelines acknowledges the additional guidance needed by individuals with specific dietary requirements, including those receiving care in a clinical setting, steering these individuals to get specialized advice from a dietitian.
“Dietitians are passionate about the potential of food and nutrition and they work every day to improve the health of Canadians. They have been active participants throughout the revision process,” said Savoie, “We salute the many dietitians and members of Dietitians of Canada who worked within Health Canada on the development of this Food Guide, as well as all of the dietitians who contributed to consultations. We look forward to working across sectors and with all levels of government to support the implementation of the new dietary guidelines and other elements of the Healthy Eating Strategy.”
About Dietitians of Canada
Dietitians of Canada (DC) is a professional association with strong roots connecting more than 5000 unique and diverse members across all areas of food, nutrition and health. DC proudly represents dietitians, fostering growth and passion in the profession through advocacy, engagement and professional development. After more than 80 years, DC remains an innovative organization with strong member leadership and common purpose: to advance the health of Canadians through food and nutrition.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Kate Comeau, MSc, RD
Manager of Public Relations and Media
Dietitians of Canada
kate.comeau@dietitians.ca
902-412-6523