Recent Meeting of Parliamentary Nutrition Champions Solidifies

A Voice for Women and Children’s Nutritional Development in Parliament

OTTAWA, November 23rd, 2016 –The Honourable Dr. Asha Seth chaired another meeting of the “Parliamentary Nutrition Champions” advisory group in Parliament. The working luncheon was a continuation of the platform created by Senator Asha Seth in collaboration with the Micronutrient Initiative entitled “Parliamentary Nutrition Champions” which engages parliamentarians to educate Canadians about issues that mothers and their children face, both at home and abroad.

In her opening remarks, Senator Seth warmly addressed her guests and thanked them for their support over the last year, while underlining that there was still much work to be done.

“Since our initial meetings this advisory board has broadened and codified into an effective body championing issues related to nutrition. This ever-expanding group shares a commitment to the protection of human life through good development.”

Senator Seth outlined several of the initiatives undertaken by the advisory board since its formation and how Canadian parliamentarians can make a difference.

Mr. Joel Spicer, CEO of the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) spoke passionately about the achievements made by the organization in recent months. This included participation in the triennial “Women Deliver” conference in Copenhagen, Denmark; the expansion of “Right Start Initiative” (an initiative launched in Senator Seth’s birth province of Uttar Pradesh). Mr. Spicer spoke also about the sustainability of MI projects globally, and their engagement in the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement, which coordinate collaboration on nutrition issues between 57 governments.

In a wonderful show of unity on this non-partisan topic, the event was attended by Senator Norman Doyle; Senator Tobias Enverga; Ms. Kamal Khera, Member of Parliament for Brampton-West, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health; Ms. Anju Dhillon, Member of Parliament for Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle, and Parlia-mentary Secretary for Status of Women; the Honourable Mike Lake, Member of Parliament for Edmonton—Wetaskiwin, and member of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association; the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Member of Parliament for Milton; Ms. Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville-North Burlington, Vice-Chair on the Standing Committee on the Status of Women; Mr. Dean Allison, Member of Parliament for Niagara West, and Vice-Chair on the Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Development. Representatives from the office of Ms. Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, and for Results Canada were present, as well as greetings from Senator Jim Munson who could not be present.

The Parliamentary Nutrition Champions meet several times a year in parliament, and serve as an advisory board to parliamentarians on issues relating to nutrition and the health and welfare of women and girls.