About the CFMS
The CFMS is an organization representing over 8,000 medical students from 15 Canadian medical student societies from coast to coast. We represent medical students to the public, to the federal government, and to national and international medical organizations.OTTAWA, ON – Food insecurity in Canada affects over 6 million Canadians, posing a complex challenge with wide-reaching social, economic, and health implications. Characterized by inadequate or insecure access to food, it’s more than just empty stomachs—it’s a pressing issue demanding our attention.
The Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) is pleased to announce the annual National Day of Action (NDoA) 2023, a hybrid event uniting medical students nationwide to advocate for strategies addressing Food Insecurity from November 4th-6th, 2023. Each year, Canadian medical students gather in Ottawa to engage with Members of Parliament, Senators, and provincial Members of the Legislative Assembly/Members of Provincial Parliament.
Socioeconomic factors like low income, unemployment, inadequate social assistance, and high housing costs elevate the risk of food insecurity, with Indigenous peoples and racialized communities bearing a disproportionate burden due to systemic barriers and discrimination. The consequences of food insecurity ripple through society, leading to increased rates of chronic physical and mental health conditions, impacting community participation, and straining the healthcare system. It’s not just a personal struggle; it’s a societal challenge demanding collective action.
Research has unveiled effective policy interventions, such as federal and provincial child benefits, social assistance, and transitioning households to stable income support programs like public pensions and universal basic income, have shown promise in reducing food insecurity.
With these strategies in mind, the CFMS advocates for a new approach to address food insecurity in Canada. Our political asks are as follows:
- Explicit Food Insecurity Policy Target: We urge the federal government to prioritize food insecurity as a central policy target, setting clear reduction goals.
- Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and Northerners: We advocate for a collaborative strategy, closely working with Indigenous Peoples and Northerners to address their extreme vulnerability to food insecurity.
- Enhance the Canada Child Benefit (CCB): By redistributing the CCB to better support low-income households and those with higher living costs, we can directly alleviate child poverty and reduce food insecurity among children.
- Establish a Basic Income Program: We propose creating a stable income floor for working-age adults and their families through a basic income program, addressing the root causes of food insecurity.
Food insecurity is a shared responsibility that necessitates attention and action. The CFMS calls on the government to tackle the root causes of food insecurity and make nutritious food accessible for all Canadians. Let’s collaborate to build a more equitable and food-secure Canada, prioritizing the well-being of our citizens and society.
Contacts:
Chaten Jessel
Director of Government Affairs
Canadian Federation of Medical Students
www.cfms.org
Helen Jin
President
Canadian Federation of Medical Students
www.cfms.org
Alex Pham
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Federation of Medical Students
www.cfms.org
About the Canadian Federation of Medical Students:
The Canadian Federation of Medical Students is the national voice of Canadian Medical Students. We connect, support, and represent our membership as they learn to serve patients and society. The CFMS represents over 9 000 medical students from fifteen Canadian medical student societies from coast to coast.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @CFMSFEMC. Our website: www.cfms.org