Transforming Canada's Diet: A Call to Prime Minister Trudeau"

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,

A Call for Transformative Change: Embracing a Healthier Diet for All Canadians

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you and the esteemed leaders in charge of food policies for schools, hospitals, and grocery stores across our nation to propose a seemingly impossible but profoundly transformative idea: to shift Canada’s diet towards a traditional Oaxacan diet. This change, though ambitious, holds the potential to drastically improve the health and well-being of all Canadians.

The Current State of Our Diet

Our modern Canadian diet, laden with processed foods and refined sugars, has contributed to rising rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders. The impact on our youth and young adults is particularly concerning, as poor nutrition directly affects their development, behavior, and overall mental health. Despite our best efforts, the standard approach to nutrition and health often falls short of addressing these critical issues at their root.

The Oaxacan Diet: A Model for Health

The traditional Oaxacan diet, characterized by its emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods, provides a compelling model for healthier eating. This diet includes:

- Whole grains such as nixtamalized corn

- Plant-based proteins like beans and legumes

- A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables

- Healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts

- Minimal refined sugars and processed foods

Adopting such a diet could significantly enhance the nutritional quality of food served in our schools, hospitals, and even in our homes. The benefits of such a diet are well-documented, including improved physical health, stable blood sugar levels, and better mental health outcomes.

Addressing Concerns and Cultural Sensitivities

We recognize that this proposal may raise concerns, especially among Indigenous communities. The traditional diets of Indigenous peoples in Canada are rich in natural, locally sourced foods, including fish, game, and gathered plants. However, due to the devastating impacts of colonization and residential schools, many Indigenous communities have experienced significant disruptions to their traditional ways of living and eating, leading to contemporary diets that are often unhealthy.

Our proposal does not seek to replace Indigenous dietary traditions but rather to provide a complementary model that could serve as an accessible and beneficial alternative for all Canadians. We believe in the importance of preserving and revitalizing Indigenous food sovereignty and traditional practices. Therefore, any dietary shift must be inclusive and respectful of Indigenous cultures and their unique food systems.

A Vision for a Healthier Canada

Imagine a Canada where our children are nourished with wholesome, nutritious meals that support their growth and learning. Imagine hospitals where patients receive meals that aid in their recovery and promote long-term health. Imagine grocery stores stocked with affordable, fresh, and minimally processed foods that make healthy choices easy and accessible for everyone.

To achieve this vision, we propose:

1. National Education Campaign: Educate Canadians about the benefits of the traditional Oaxacan diet and how it can be adapted to our local context.

2. Policy Changes: Implement policies that prioritize the provision of whole, natural foods in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

3. Support for Indigenous Food Sovereignty: Work in partnership with Indigenous communities to support the revitalization of traditional food systems and practices.

A Call to Action

I invite you to consider this proposal and the research that supports it, and to imagine the profound positive impact it could have on our nation's future. Together, we can make the impossible possible and create a better world for all Canadians.

Furthermore, I encourage all Canadians who share this vision for a healthier future to join me in writing to you, Prime Minister Trudeau, urging swift and decisive action to reform our national diet policies. Together, let us demand change now, harnessing the momentum of this summer season to propel us towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Tina Winterlik