The federal election results are in and have demonstrated that, like so many others on the planet, Canadians are impacted by forces that polarize us rather than bring us together. Yet all the stresses and challenges impacting our food systems, ecosystems, and communities persist. They will not be resolved by individuals but rather by our collective efforts, with compromise and compassion, and through great effort.

The thing about life and democracy is that neither is a spectator “sport” – they are both enriched when we are actively involved, engaged, and contributing as part of larger communities. Democracy will serve us best if citizen involvement is not limited to voting in elections. The provincial government has a dedicated website that invites British Columbians to be involved in formulating policy. In the past few years, the provincial government has asked for our thoughts on a range of important food systems-related policy areas. The intent, plan for, and outcome of those consultations are in the public record:

• Stewarding Agricultural Watercourses
• Columbia River Treaty Agreement-in-Principle
• Emergency Support Services

The antics coming from the leadership in the United States have brought into vivid relief for many Canadians that there is value in being more self-reliant for the necessities of life. Food clearly fits into that category, as has been demonstrated by the dramatic shift to supporting Canadian companies and products, including farmers and food. This presents some important opportunities for bolstering BC’s food systems.

The most recent five year funding agreement for agriculture between the federal government and BC’s Ministry of Agriculture is now 2 years old. The funded programs have been updated or created and rolled out. Now is the time to think ahead and plan for priorities to be integrated into the next agreement. Each of us can undertake our own “fact-finding missions” by connecting with local farmers and food producers or agricultural organizations to see what they are experiencing and needing. We can then engage routinely with our local MLA or Ministry of Agriculture personnel to start exploring priorities and creative ways to foster resilient regional food systems.

In February of this year, a new Premier’s Task Force was announced. The Task Force has 15 members representing diverse voices from the agriculture, fisheries and food sectors. The Task Force will focus on the growth of BC’s food supply and economy, with a timeline of 12 to 18 months to achieve its mandate. This is an important and timely initiative launched from the top political office in our province. Nevertheless, there is a lack of civil society, labour, and Indigenous voices on the Task Force, which are vital if the Task Force is to make the best recommendations on “key topics such as water, land, labour, competitiveness and investment.” The exact term of the Task Force and its mandate are not yet publicly available. Nevertheless, given the critical nature of our food systems and the many pressures impacting them, including climate change, competing water demands under increasing droughts, and trade disruptions, among others, broader public input will benefit the process. Engaging with the three Co-Chairs and members of the task force offers some avenues to do so. Open, creative, and collaborative conversations can go a long way to finding common cause and shared visions.

A federal government has been elected. As residents of Canada and British Columbia, it is now our turn to do the work of catalyzing public policy that will contribute to healthy ecosystems, water, locally grown and produced foods, and lands upon which our food security and sovereignty depends.