Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition regarding access to healthy food, which is critically important for a child's development. Child and youth nutrition programs are a cost-effective way to encourage the development of lifelong healthy eating habits, support Canadian farmers and food producers in the development of local markets, and reduce future health care costs.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to provide national leadership and support for child and youth nutrition programs through the Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, develop a national child and youth nutrition strategy in consultation with stakeholders across the country and develop partnerships with farmers, food producers, et cetera, to stimulate economic development.