Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

1st Session, 41st Parliament,
Volume 148, Issue 39

Thursday, December 8, 2011

QUESTION PERIOD

Health

Sodium Working Group Recommendations

Senator LeBreton: Honourable senators, we are part of a collaborative effort with the provinces and territories. Joint efforts with provincial and territorial governments, industry and stakeholders will provide Canadians with the information and market choices they need in order to make healthy lifestyle decisions.

The intake of sodium is only one component of an overall effort by the Department of Health and the provincial and territorial governments that will, hopefully, lead to the prevention of chronic diseases, or at least the reduction of them. One thing that is particularly problematic at the moment, and will continue to be so, is obesity.

In short, the Department of Health is actively involved in this collaborative effort, and it is to be hoped that through the efforts of all levels of government and industry the information will be imparted to our population to ensure that healthier lifestyle choices are made.

Hon. Percy E. Downe: Honourable senators, Senator LeBreton talks about positive engagement and working with the industry, but in reality there has been no real progress on this file. As the honourable senator knows, the sodium content of food in Canada can vary from that in the United States. The sodium content in cereal is lower there than it is in the same product in Canada.

Other countries, such as Finland, have legislation forcing companies to reduce the amount of sodium in their products. Why would the Canadian government not consider that?

Senator LeBreton: The government is open to considering anything that can contribute to better information to help our citizens make healthy choices about the food they buy.

One positive aspect of the agreement between the President and the Prime Minister yesterday is making labeling and standards uniform on both sides of the border. That would be very helpful.

This is a complex matter. We are dealing with the provinces and territories as well as with industry. I can assure the honourable senator that the Department of Health and certainly the Minister of Health are taking this matter very seriously. Obviously, any models that other countries are using would be very helpful and informative as we work collaboratively to deal with the problem.

Senator Downe: The minister indicated that the government is taking the matter seriously, but where is the proof? What has happened? This has been going on for years. Finland changed its rules years ago. New York City incorporated voluntary reductions and is considering legislation if the reductions are not enforced by the industry.

Now we are told that, because of the agreement yesterday, we are fortunate that we will have American standards. Why can the Canadian government not be proactive? Why can we not have Canadian standards to lower the amount of sodium in our food?

Senator LeBreton: I think the honourable senator misunderstood what I said. I did not say that because of what was announced yesterday, which is only a working plan, we are going to be fortunate to have American standards.

I am saying that, because there are discrepancies in labeling between Canada and the United States, I am sure that any information that is helpful in informing Canadians, regardless of where it comes from, will be taken into consideration.

I wish to point out again that this is a collaborative effort among the federal government, the Department of Health, the provincial and territorial governments and industry. It is unfair to all levels of government and industry to suggest that nothing has been done. As a consumer, I am aware of many things that have been done by government and by industry in pointing out the sodium content of the products we buy.

Senator Downe: Can the leader point to any recommendations that have been implemented by the commission that was established by her government?

Senator LeBreton: As I said, the government and the Minister of Health are working with all levels of government. I cannot immediately pick out one specific recommendation to which we may be paying more attention than others.