Inequality and Poverty in Canada

On May 6, 2012, Olivier De Schutter, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, began an 11-day mission in Canada.  During his visit he travelled across the country, and met with farmers’ organizations, food security groups, human rights organizations, academics, researchers and communities.  “What I’ve seen in Canada is a system that presents barriers for the poor to access nutritious diets and that tolerates increased inequalities between rich and poor, and aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples,” said Schutter.

CFTC has been addressing nutritional gaps in Canadian communities for years through the development and implementation of school and community breakfast and lunch programs. While organizations like CFTC have an inside peek at the inequality many Canadians face, the UN Special Rapporteur’s report – and response to it – underscores a concern that many Canadians share.

CFTC is working hard to create long-term impact in Canadian communities by deepening our programs and strengthening our focus. Read the details of the United Nations Report, or take a closer look at CFTC’s National Aboriginal Nutrition Program and find out how you can help.