National

Liberals plan talks to launch school food program before end of next school year

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Jun, 2024 11:15 AM

Families Minister Jenna Sudds says the government hopes to see kids getting meals from the national school food program before the end of the next school year, but it will take time for organizations to scale up their operations.

The Liberals set aside $1 billion over five years for the program, which they promised during the 2021 election campaign.

Sudds says the deals will be similar in nature to the child-care agreements the government signed with provinces and territories to lower the cost of daycare.

Our National School Food Policy is an important stepping stone in ensuring that children don’t have to learn on an empty stomach. 🍏🍎

Here’s what you need to know! pic.twitter.com/d1QiFpMk5e
— Jenna Sudds (@JennaSudds) June 20, 2024

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new policy that will guide those negotiations at a press conference in Nova Scotia today.

The school food program will largely rely on existing organizations that already feed kids, and it's aimed at eliminating stigma.

Sudds says that means lunch, breakfast or snack programs should be available to all the children in a school.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Metro Vancouver least ready for outage: BC Hydro

The report from the Crown utility says more than half of Lower Mainland residents think their region is the most prepared for storm-related power outages, but fewer than half have an outage plan or emergency kit at home.

Metro Vancouver least ready for outage: BC Hydro

VPD makes arrest after woman stabbed with hypodermic needle

“Investigators believe the woman may have been followed out of the coffee shop and confronted by the suspect, who then stabbed her with the dirty needle,” adds Sergeant Addison. “Because we don’t know what was in the needle and whether there will be any long-term health impacts, the victim was taken to hospital for treatment.”

VPD makes arrest after woman stabbed with hypodermic needle

Woman transported to hospital after incident in Surrey

Just before 1:30 a.m. on November 7, a cell guard noted the woman had fallen from her bunk onto the floor. Upon further assessment the woman was found to be unresponsive and not breathing. An officer and the cell nurse began life saving efforts, until these efforts were assumed by BC Emergency Health Services and the Surrey Fire Department.

Woman transported to hospital after incident in Surrey

1,438 COVID19 cases over 3 days

There are 4,282 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 202,898 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 407 individuals are in hospital and 121 are in intensive care.

1,438 COVID19 cases over 3 days

VPD arrests 32 in weekend shoplifting clampdown

Though shoplifting remains vastly under-reported, Vancouver Police have seen a surge in people using violence while stealing from stores. Cases involving weapons – things like knives, needles and bear spray – have shot up 550 per cent since 2019. Commercial robberies have gone up 126 per cent during that same time.

VPD arrests 32 in weekend shoplifting clampdown

Pandemic claims more than 19K lives: Stats Can

Statistics Canada says more than 19,000 Canadians lost their lives during COVID-19 than would have been expected had the pandemic never happened. The report highlights the deadly toll COVID-19 has taken directly and indirectly on Canadian lives.