Regional Councillor Report

Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4

Date: December 8, 2008

Health and Social Services - Nov. 27, 2008

Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council

The Committee received a report that provided an update on the activities undertaken to date to create a Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council that would oversee the implementation of a community driven newcomer strategy. Between June and November 2008, a literature/research review, key informant interviews, focus groups and in-depth sessions have been undertaken which informed the Community Consultation Paper. The strategy sets out a framework and structure for the Council with action strategies and future considerations. Funding for the operation of the Council is currently being negotiated with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Durham Region Food Charter

A presentation was received at the Health Committee from the Food Charter Working Group to provide information about the Durham Region Food Charter. The charter speaks to ensuring the future of a sustainable food system, the cultivation of local agriculture, enhancement of access to locally produced food, the need to build capacity of local food processing and environmental stewardship. In addition, the document speaks to access to affordable, nutritious food as a basic human right and the need to celebrate the cultural diversity of food traditions. The working group’s objective is to engage the public in discussion about these issues and encourage the use of the document to guide policy development. Additional information can be found at www.durhamlives.com.

Nutritious Food Basket - Poverty Reduction

The Committee endorsed the Simcoe Muskoka and Toronto Board of Health resolutions urging the provincial government to proceed with its poverty reduction strategy while taking the cost of a nutritious food basket into account. The cost of a nutritious food basket is calculated annually by Boards of Health.

In addition to advocacy work to reduce household poverty and the need to increase the capacity of community service providers to build food skills in priority population groups including low income individuals and families, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit report also spoke of the need to plan communities where healthy foods are in reach of everyone (i.e. focus on food security and the built environment) and to support community actions to help build a healthy, local food based economy which includes helping to increase the demand for locally grown food and raising awareness/appreciation of our local food production system. The Health Committee endorsed a recommendation that these principles regarding food security be considered by the Planning Consultant retained to develop the Growth Plan for Durham.