Summary#

This bill orders the federal government to create a national framework for a school food program. The goal is to make sure all children in Canada can access healthy food at school. It does not start a program or spend money. It sets rules for how the framework must be built and when reports are due (National framework development (1); Contents (2); Report to Parliament (1); Coming into Force).

• Requires the Minister of Employment and Social Development to develop the framework with Health Canada, provinces and territories, Indigenous governing bodies, and other stakeholders (National framework development (1)).
• Sets content requirements: define “healthy” food, set minimum meals/snacks to offer, address cultural and regional needs, avoid stigma, support local and sustainable food, build on existing programs, and promote food education (Contents (2)(a)–(h)).
• Orders a public report within 1 year after the Act takes effect, and a 5-year review after that (Report to Parliament (1); Review and report (1)).
• Acknowledges provincial control over health and education and calls for collaboration (Preamble).
• Takes effect 6 months after royal assent (Coming into Force).

What it means for you#

• Households and students

  • No immediate change to school meals. The bill creates a plan, not a program (National framework development (1); Contents (2)).
  • Future framework must aim to offer at least certain meals or snacks in schools and to avoid stigma for users (Contents (2)(b), (e)).
  • The framework must reflect cultural diversity and regional diets (Contents (2)(c)).

• Indigenous communities

  • The framework must take into account the rights and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and include representatives of Indigenous governing bodies in consultations (Interpretation; National framework development (1); Contents (2)(d)).

• Schools and school boards

  • You may be consulted during framework development (National framework development (1)).
  • Future standards could set minimum offerings and promote evidence-based food education. No obligations take effect under this bill alone (Contents (2)(b), (h)).

• Provinces and territories

  • You will be consulted in developing the framework. The bill does not mandate provincial action or funding (National framework development (1); Preamble).

• Food suppliers and local producers

  • The framework must foster use of local and sustainable food systems, which could affect future procurement if a program is later created (Contents (2)(f)). No immediate changes.

• Taxpayers

  • No direct program spending or new taxes are authorized. The department must produce and publish reports on the framework and its 5-year review (Report to Parliament (1)–(2); Review and report (1)–(2)).

• Timeline

  • Act takes effect 6 months after royal assent (Coming into Force).
  • Framework report due within 1 year after the Act takes effect, then tabled in Parliament and posted online within 10 days of tabling (Report to Parliament (1)–(2)).
  • Effectiveness review due within 5 years after the framework report is tabled, then posted online within 10 days of tabling (Review and report (1)–(2)).

Expenses#

Estimated net cost: Data unavailable.

• The bill includes no appropriations, transfers, or fees. It requires developing, tabling, and publishing reports (National framework development (1); Report to Parliament (1)–(2); Review and report (1)–(2)).
• Administrative costs to consult stakeholders and prepare reports are not specified. Data unavailable.
• Any future program costs would require separate decisions or legislation. Data unavailable.

Proponents' View#

• A national framework can expand access beyond the current reach of school meal efforts, which now serve about 21% of school-aged children (Preamble).
• National standards can reduce inequities by ensuring minimum offerings and avoiding stigma for participants (Contents (2)(b), (e); Preamble).
• The framework will respect cultural diversity and Indigenous rights, improving relevance and uptake (Contents (2)(c), (d)).
• Aligning with Canada’s Food Guide and evidence-based education may improve child nutrition and learning environments (Contents (2)(a), (h)).
• Building on existing programs and using local, sustainable food can leverage current infrastructure and support local economies (Contents (2)(f), (g)).

Opponents' View#

• Federal role may overlap with provincial jurisdiction in education and health, creating duplication or tension, even though the bill notes the need for collaboration (Preamble).
• The bill sets expectations (minimum meals/snacks; standards) without committing funding, which could shift pressure to provinces, school boards, or charities later (Contents (2)(b)). Data unavailable.
• Local and sustainable procurement goals may raise costs or strain supply in remote areas if later implemented as program rules (Contents (2)(f)). Data unavailable.
• The bill provides process timelines but not outcome targets or enforcement, so results may be slow or uneven (Report to Parliament (1); Review and report (1)).
• Anti-stigma aims are stated, but practical methods and accountability are left to future design, which may limit impact if not well executed (Contents (2)(e)).