12 people have been nominated for 11 spaces on the Steering Committee. Please click on Nominees' names to read descriptions. To view a list of the current Steering Committee Members, click here.
Carole Christopher Vancouver (BC), seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Health & nutrition, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming
Karen Fyfe Breadalbane, PEI (Atlantic), representing National Farmers Union
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Community/school food projects, Food policy and programming
June Kinniburgh Whitby (Ontario)
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger, Health & nutrition
Cathleen Kneen Ottawa (Ontario), current Chair, seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming
Mustafa Koc Toronto (Ontario), first Chair, seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming, Other (immigrant community)
Elisa Levi Toronto (Ontario, Chippewas Of Nawash First Nation), representing Dietitians of Canada
Health & nutrition, Food policy and programming, Indigenous food sovereignty
Shawn Pegg Toronto (Ontario), representing Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB)
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger
Katherine Pigott Kitchener (Ontario), representing Waterloo Region Public Health
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Health & nutrition, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming
Susan C. Roberts Spruce Grove, Alberta (Prairie Provinces), representing Growing Food Security in Alberta
Health & nutrition, Environment/sustainable development, Community/school food projects, Food policy and programming
Wayne Roberts Toronto (Ontario), representing the Toronto Food Policy Council, seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Food policy and programming
Rebecca Schiff North Battleford, Saskatchewan (Prairie Provinces), representing Food Secure Saskatchewan
Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming, also Food insecurity, Sustainable farming/agriculture, Health & nutrition, Community/school food projects
Annette Stapenhorst Sheshatshiu, Labrador (Atlantic, working for Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation)
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger, Health & nutrition, Community/school food projects, Food policy and programming, Indigenous food sovereignty (still learning)
Carole Christopher, Vancouver (BC), seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Health & nutrition, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming
“I have a Doctorate in Nutrition (Columbia University,) focusing on nutritional ecology and community nutrition. I developed and taught university courses on nutritional ecology and community nutrition and was a Nutrition Consultant to the US Federal Trade Commission on the issue of regulating advertising of food products to children. I am presently co-chair of the Vancouver Food Policy Council and a Director of SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) and give leadership to their Food Security and Safety Committee. I've done a good deal of public speaking in both the US and Canada on the role of food technology and
marketing motivations in the changing North American diet and the importance of local and 'traditional' foods in a sustainable food system.
“The skills that I bring to this work include knowledge of nutrition and food policy, an understanding of basic economic ideas and how they advance/inhibit equitable distribution of food and nutrition, and a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. As a member of the Vancouver Food Policy Council I have focused on writing and advocating the adoption of a Vancouver Charter and promoting other work of the Council (equitable access, handling food waste, institutional food purchasing policy, and promotion of urban agriculture.) As well, I’m certified as a Process Work therapist, with a strong focus on systems thinking and advanced training in group and conflict facilitation. I have experience in helping groups work towards collaborative decisions that reflect deep democracy. I am also certified in conflict negotiation and mediation skills through the BC Justice Institute. I have nearly three decades of experience as an active participant in the social change/civil society movement and over a decade of experience (as the coordinator of a Centre for Justice and Peace with over 1,500 members provincially,) as a social justice advocate in building community networks and as an environmental activist focusing on sustainable practices. I’m a past director of my neighbourhood Resident’s Association and have a strong and enduring commitment to community participation, collaborative processes and broadly based solutions. I have a reputation for being respectful of others’ points of view and for being good-hearted. Finally, I'm an avid organic and gardener and heritage seed-saver.”
Karen Fyfe, Breadalbane, PEI (Atlantic), representing National Farmers Union
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Community/school food projects, Food policy and programming
“I am the Womens Vice President of the National Farmers Union. The National Farmers Union (in both the domestic and international arenas) has provided a great deal of leadership in raising the awareness of food security and providing alternatives, and has been involved with FSC since its founding.
“I have been a member of the NFU for 24 years and have served at all of the various levels. In 1990 I was elected the Womens District Director for Prince Edward Island, a position I held for 3 years. In 1994 I was elected the Womens President, and again in 1995 and 1996. During this time one of my most important files was on the issue of BGH in the dairy industry. A great deal of effort and energy went into this campaign and we were successful in stopping the use of BGH in the Canadian dairy industry. One of the reasons for our success in this particular food security issue was that the work was done through coalitions of like-minded individuals. I believe strongly in collective analysis and collective actions where possible. The National Farmers Union continues to play a vital role in exposing the free trade myths. In 1988 we were one of the lone voices in the farm community offering critical analysis of the FTAs and we continue to do so today. The issues of food security cannot be discussed without addressing the inequalities of the current food supply and transportation systems. I am currently farming with my husband on our 5th generation family farm. We farm organically with no off-farm inputs (except for mussel mud from the fish plant). We have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. I do work off the farm in the summer at a local country inn as a front desk guest agent.”
June Kinniburgh, Whitby (Ontario)
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger, Health & nutrition
“I have been employed, studying, volunteering and passionate about our food for 22 years serving within various facets of the food system. Interest had origins in health and nutrition, the catalysts for studies in the field that led to a career in acute, chronic and long-term care nutrition in the private and public sectors spanning a period of 14 years. During that time I held supervisory, managerial and executive positions within the health care nutrition industry – my specific area of expertise specifically being nutrition operations.
“After achieving the goals I had aspired to within the health care nutrition industry I retired from the sector and became involved in Food Security initiatives. Initially becoming involved with local food banks, a food wellness working group and pursuing my post-degree certificate in Food
Security from Ryerson. Currently, I am Chair of Feed The Need In Durham Network, member of the Durham Region Food Charter Task Force, founding member of the Feed The Need In Durham board of directors hold a post-degree certificate in Food Security and teach at my local community college.
“If I am elected, I will bring qualities such as being passionate about social justice, zero hunger, and healthy and safe food. I strongly believe in the importance of research and policy to found change and advance dialogue. The moral imperative to reduce hunger will resonate in my
leadership and discussions, and will be the impetus for me to contribute and advocate in the interests of the broad food security movement.”
Cathleen Kneen, Ottawa (Ontario), current Chair, seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming
“I got involved in food issues while farming in Nova Scotia in the late 1970s and was part of the Atlantic team for the People’s Food Commission. Since 1980 my husband Brewster and I have published The Ram's Horn, a monthly newsletter of food system analysis. My other work includes international solidarity, violence against women, publishing, and pottery. In 1995 we moved to BC, where I focused more on food security, working with communities across the province to develop local food security initiatives and pulling them together in the BC Food Systems Network, organizing their annual Sorrento Gathering and encouraging involvement and leadership from local Indigenous people. I helped start two local farmers’ markets and served on the Board of the Certified Organic Associations of BC as well as editing their quarterly magazine.
“I have been involved in the formation of Food Secure Canada since the beginning, and was elected Chair of the Steering Committee in the fall of 2006. In February 2007 I attended the International Forum For Food Sovereignty in Mali, West Africa, which challenged me to think more deeply about food security, food sovereignty, and environmental and social justice. I believe that as an organization which represents the active work in all sectors towards the creation of a just and sustainable food system, Food Secure Canada can, and will, play an important role as the civil society voice in the formation of Canadian food policy, and I am keen to work to make this a reality.”
Mustafa Koc, Toronto (Ontario), first Chair, seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming, Other (immigrant community)
“I have a long history of involvement in participating in food security and food policy in Canada. I served at the Toronto Food Policy Council in the 1990s. I served as one of the founding coordinators of the Centre for Studies in Food Security at Ryerson University until 2005. I was involved in organizing the first national conference on food security in Toronto (2001) and following conferences in Winnipeg (2004), Waterloo (2005), and Vancouver (2006). I took part in the drafting of the constitution of FSC-SAC and served as the interim Chair until October 2006. I have been serving as the president of the Canadian Association for Food Studies since 2005. I am deeply committed to the ideals of FSC-SAC described in the constitution. My long involvement in the food justice and food security movement convinced me to the importance of a national organization that can bring diverse organizations, networks and individuals to work on common projects towards promoting a food system that prioritizes elimination of hunger, sustainability and healthy and safe foods for all. Such an organization should aim broadening its circle to many other individuals and organizations who share our priorities as defined in our constitution. If I get re-elected I will work towards closer ties between civil society networks and academic community, and would also like to work towards increasing immigrant and minority participation in the FSC.”
Elisa Levi, Toronto (Ontario, Chippewas Of Nawash First Nation), representing Dietitians of Canada
Health & nutrition, Food policy and programming, Indigenous food sovereignty
“I have always been interested in food security and have a passion for food and nutrition. I am interested in serving as a FSC-SAC Steering Committee member and hope to briefly highlight my skills and experiences to support this nomination. A Graduate of Ryerson University – Food and Nutrition Program – I entered the field of dietetics through a internship program with Yukon with First Nations Dietetic Internship Program (2002) Here, my main research project focused on increasing community gardening in First Nations communities.
“I have experience in Health Policy, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention. In 2006, I completed a Masters of Public Health at Lakehead University. My thesis work was in partnership with Elsipogtog First Nation whereby we attempted to understand how food security continues to be maintained in this community.
“Currently, I am working with Assembly of First Nations as a Policy Analyst holding the Food Security portfolio [ of course! :) ]. A couple exciting projects I am involved in is the development of the First Nations School Nutrition Program and participation in the Food Security Reference Group (First Nations and Inuit Health Branch) to increase food security in First Nations communities. Professionally, I am a member of the DC Nutrition & Food Security Network (Dietitians of Canada). Personally, I love to take food related vacations and support programs and restaurants in Toronto that promote values of food security. Finally, I would like to share my experiences, promote the work of food secure Canada and learn from all those at the table.”
Shawn Pegg, Toronto (Ontario), representing Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB)
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger
“Since joining the Canadian Association of Food Banks in February 2007, I have taken the role of researcher and policy advocate for the organization. National activities have included the coordination and preparation of the HungerCount 2007 report (the only national survey of food bank use in Canada, collecting information from approximately 90% of food banks in the country), meetings with federal government representatives, and knowledge sharing with like-minded organizations. Prior to this, I spent 5 years as a researcher and policy analyst at The Roeher Institute, where my work revolved around extending the social, economic and other benefits of public and private sector policy/programs to people with disabilities. One could say that my expertise is concentrated on the social categories most likely to experience income-based food insecurity and social exclusion.
“As a representative of the CAFB, I will benefit from the advice of our national Member Council of food bank representatives (consisting of two elected food bank operators from each province). I believe it is important to have a strong national food bank voice represented on the FSC Steering Committee.”
Katherine Pigott, Kitchener (Ontario), representing Waterloo Region Public Health
Sustainable farming/agriculture, Health & nutrition, Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming
“Katherine has 8 years of experience in healthy food systems planning and management in a regional context (rural and urban), including public health and food systems research, policy and program development. Katherine's background is in community economic development, environmental planning and health promotion. She is interested in joining the FSC-SAC steering committee because she would like to help forge links between regional and the national levels, i.e. using the extensive food systems work that has been done in Waterloo Region to help advocate for change in national food policy. Katherine enjoys growing organic food in her back yard and buying fresh local produce from Waterloo Region's farms and farmer's markets.”
Susan C. Roberts, Spruce Grove, Alberta (Prairie Provinces), representing Growing Food Security in Alberta
Health & nutrition, Environment/sustainable development, Community/school food projects, Food policy and programming
“A proud PEIslander by birth I have acquired my educational credentials from Acadia University, University of Cincinnati and Northwestern University in Chicago. Using the unique community-created Community Capacity Building and Asset Mapping © model I have enjoyed working in Community Building for the last fourteen years across Canada (and in the USA) in rural and urban settings, from Stratford PEI to Whitehorse Yukon. I have drawn from my activity previously as a college and university instructor in cooperative education, adult education, program planning, evaluation, and my private nutrition practise.
“I am delighted that my background as a dietetic professional and my work in community development and facilitation have merged in the Food Security field over the last number of years. I believe that together we can make it happen! – ensure all Canadians have safe, nutritious, culturally appropriate food of their choice, produced in an environmentally sustainable way and provided in a manner that promotes human dignity.
“I continue to manage my own business Community Building Resources (www.cbr-aimhigh.com) and am contracted to be the coordinator for Growing Food Security in Alberta 2003-present (www.foodsecurityalberta.ca - outputs have been a DVD and a ‘Community Building for Food Security’ workshops delivered across rural Alberta - ongoing). I did coordinate a national project titled ‘Capacity Building for Food Security through Mentoring (a CPNP funded project that produced a DVD and a workbook 2003-2006). I am presently the regional representative on the Dietitians of Canada Food Security Network and am one of the leadership group members of the Alberta Social and Health Equity Network. I am a member of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network and the Community Development Society.
“I believe I can be a solid contributor to the Food Secure Canada group…My experiences in community building, community level food security and social action, my dietetic background and the connections I have across the province and the country I think will be useful.”
Wayne Roberts, Toronto (Ontario), representing the Toronto Food Policy Council, seeking re-election to the Steering Committee
Food policy and programming
“I have worked for the Toronto Food Policy Council since 1999. In that capacity, I have been involved in most of the key meetings that have led to Food Secure Canada. I have also done my best to help activists in other areas of the country set up food policy councils, and tried to learn about other areas by "woofing" on farms in Prince Edward Island and B.C. I'm a keen promoter of Food Secure Canada and would love to serve another term on the steering committee.”
Rebecca Schiff, North Battleford, Saskatchewan (Prairie Provinces), representing Food Secure Saskatchewan
Environment/sustainable development, Food policy and programming, also Food insecurity, Sustainable farming/agriculture, Health & nutrition, Community/school food projects
“My experience with food systems and food security began a decade ago when I became involved with urban agriculture organizations and food security research in Montréal. Since that time I have worked with numerous farms, food security, and urban agriculture organizations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Australia. I recently completed several years of research on food systems and sustainable development with a particular focus on food policy councils. Since then I have consulted with food policy councils in Canada and Australia on establishment and organizational development. My current activities involve research in food systems, sustainable development, social justice, and active promotion of nutrition and food policy in Saskatchewan. I am a board member for Midwest Food Resources Project, a founding member of the North American Alliance for Urban and Periurban Agriculture, and member of several other professional, community, and academic associations involved with the development of more healthy, sustainable food systems.
“I am very enthusiastic about and dedicated to the values and ideals of the FSC-SAC. My experience has led me to strongly believe in the merit of bringing together diverse food systems stakeholders at national and international levels, whose collective thoughts and actions can lead towards innovation and sustainable development. I would very much like to work with FSC-SAC towards the promotion of these ideals. If I were elected to the Steering Committee, I would be deeply committed to working towards the enhancement of our collective resources, further development of relationships with community and academic organizations, and solutions to support our farmers and farm communities.”
Annette Stapenhorst, Sheshatshiu, Labrador (Atlantic, working for Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation)
Food bank, food insecurity, anti-hunger, Health & nutrition, Community/school food projects, Food policy and programming, Indigenous food sovereignty (still learning)
“I usually describe myself as a Community Nutritionist with diverse interests and experiences.
Growing up as part of the boomer generation in post war rural Germany shaped my values, world view and my desire to be a responsible citizen of the world. As the daughter of small, independent farmers and married to a PEI-lander with family farm connections I have some understanding of the struggle family farmers on both sides of the Atlantic have had to survive the massive trend towards urbanization and capital intensive, industrial commodity production.
“A visit to Mexico and Guatemala in 1974 led me to pursue studies in Food and Nutrition to work on health issues from a food perspective. I am with Berthold Brecht "Erst kommt das Essen und dann die Moral" (today's translation: "Food security precedes a just society").
“My work experience stretches from food and beverage management in the hospitality industry in Germany and Canada to working as a registered dietitian with government and community organizations, as well as ongoing involvement in advocacy, and more recently, in community economic development NGO's in Newfoundland and Labrador. I helped form the Newfoundland & Labrador Food Security Network in 1997 and co-chaired for several years. Currently I work with the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation in Labrador as diabetes consultant (and food security facilitator).
“I would really like to reconnect with food security work at the national level to contribute the perspective I have gained during my 25 years of working as a passionate community nutritionist and food security advocate in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Note: Steering Committee term is 2 years, so new members will serve until 2010. The following members continue to serve until 2009:
Stuart Clark, Winnipeg, Manitoba (Prairies), representing Canadian FoodGrains Bank, International Issues Director
Janice Dunbar, Clinton (Ontario), Huron Country Health Unit
Glen Koroluk, Winnipeg (Prairies), Beyond Factory Farming
Joan Norberg, Whitehorse, Yukon (Territories), farmer
Meagan Peasgood, Winnipeg, Manitoba (Prairies), Youth programs, Canadian FoodGrains Bank; Treasurer
Sherry Pictou, Bear River, Nova Scotia (Atlantic), fisheries, Bear River First Nation
Cliff Stainsby, Cobble Hill (British Columbia), BC Government Employees Union; Sustainable Food Systems Director
Pierre Verrault, Gatineau (Québec), Canadian Association of Professional Fish Harvesters, Fisheries Working Group
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