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

Suspicious incident being investigated in New Westminster

The passenger is described as a South Asian male, 6’0’ tall, medium build, approximately 35 to 40 years old, with a trimmed beard, and wearing a black jacket. There was no description provided for the driver.

Suspicious incident being investigated in New Westminster

Chilliwack RCMP need the public's help in identifying three children involved in suspicious occurrence at Portage Park

The boys are described as approximately eight to ten years old. It is possible that they had a skateboard and a scooter and departed toward Menzies Street. The girl is approximately eight years old. the man involved in Friday’s incident at Portage Park is not believed to be related to a previous report of suspicious activity on Cedar Creek Drive.

Chilliwack RCMP need the public's help in identifying three children involved in suspicious occurrence at Portage Park

B.C. 911 dispatcher union calls for more funding

Emergency Communications Professionals of BC said in a news release that staffing shortages have forced call takers to work "well beyond" their normal hours, which it believes is unsustainable. The temporary provisions are set to expire Sept. 21, while the added mental health supports end in December, the union said.

B.C. 911 dispatcher union calls for more funding

VPD need public's help in resolving a hit and run that ended up killing a dog

“Based on the information collected so far, there is no question the driver of the SUV knew he hit the dog and its owner,” says Constable Jason Doucette. “Luckily the owner suffered only minor injuries, but the loss of one-and-a-half-year-old Tobi has been devastating for the family.”

VPD need public's help in resolving a hit and run that ended up killing a dog

Canada to implement 988 suicide crisis line

It says starting at the end of November 2023, Canadians will be able to call 988 to be connected to a mental health crisis or suicide prevention service, free of charge. The Public Health Agency of Canada will decide which group will provide the service, along with the scope of care it will offer.

Canada to implement 988 suicide crisis line

Collision claims life of 80 year old motorcyclist at Cherry Creek

The motorcyclist, a man in his eighties from the Kamloops area, died as a result of the collision. The driver of the van, a man in his seventies from the East Kootenays, was not injured in the crash, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.