Is the new National Food Strategy set up for success?

Jun 12, 2026 | 4:41 PM

Prince George – Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly unveiled National Food Security Strategy is a 3.2-billion-dollar, 10-year plan designed to lower grocery bills and reduce Canada’s reliance on foreign food imports. However, a UNBC professor is skeptical the plan will work.

“It’s a good start but it has significant limitations that really need to be taken into account. Now, any money spent on food production is a good thing. We are not food secure in Canada and too much of our food is actually imported from other countries. As oil, gasoline and transportation costs continue to rise, you see the monopolies of grocery stores continue. You do need some major investments but it needs to be looked at from a national to a local scheme because all things have to play in part.” said UNBC Professor in Environmental and Sustainable studies Annie Booth.

This strategy may be effective long term but it does little to solve the issue now as the Prince George Salvation Army says they have seen a 15 percent increase in use from 2025 to 2026.

“The Salvation Army Food Bank serves all demographics. We’ve got our singles, our families, our seniors and people with disabilities. The biggest increase we’ve seen this year is with our seniors.” said Community Engagement Coordinator for the Prince George Salvation Army Terra LaFlamme.