The Canadian Government continues to look for new ways to help stimulate and recover our economy, and according to a recently released report by the Canadian Health Food Association, the introduction of CBD in natural health products could be the answer.
In Alberta, one Calgarian is looking to help stimulate the market for local merchants and producers through a new Amazon-like marketplace, which features products made exclusively by Alberta-based businesses.
Restaurants Canada is also looking for unique solutions to the ongoing challenges brought on by the pandemic. This week, the association pitched a potential pandemic-relief plan based on the Eat Out to Help Out initiative in the U.K. Restaurants Canada hopes the issue will be addressed at the upcoming throne speech in Ottawa.
Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.
CBD food market could help Canadian economic recovery
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) recently released a report meant to identify the potential size of the CBD market in Canada and its positive economic impact if the government were to permit CBD in natural health products.
The report states that the sale of CBD products doubled in 2019, and suggests that by 2023, the market could reach roughly $1 billion. Currently, there are no legal means to bring non-prescription CBD health products to the Canadian marketplace, but the CHFA believes that consumer demand is ripe for pre-market approval.
Find out more from Food in Canada.
Restaurants Canada suggests new pandemic-relief plan
Restaurants Canada, which represents roughly 30,000 of the 97,000 restaurants, bars, and caterers across the country, has asked the prime minister to consider subsidizing customer meals as a way to drive economic stimulus.
Restaurants Canada hopes that the suggested relief plan, which has already shown some success in the U.K. (Eat Out to Help Out), will be addressed at the upcoming throne speech in Ottawa.
Head to CBC News for more.
Calgarian launches made-in-Alberta website
Last week, the news of an Alberta-based online marketplace created by a Calgary man garnered plenty of praise across the web as local consumers continue to look for ways to support their community.
Made in Local Shops, which includes items such as clothing, beer, and art, currently features products from Edmonton and Calgary, with more locations to come in the future.
Find the whole story at CTV Edmonton.
Kootenay Co-op recalls house-made beef sausages and burgers
This week, Kootenay Co-op issued a recall for its house-made beef sausages and burgers due to the possible presence of metal and plastic. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently conducting a food safety investigation into the popular B.C. products, but has stated that the product should be thrown out or returned to the store where it was purchased.
Get the full breakdown from the Nelson Star.
Canadian Organic Growers receives federal funding
In an effort to help get more Canadian consumers buying Canadian-made organic produce made by local farmers, the federal government recently announced an investment of over $640,000 to the Canadian Organic Growers (COG).
According to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the demand for organic food is growing rapidly, and the government will focus on ensuring that Canadians will have greater self-sufficiency and sustainability within the Canadian food supply system.
Head to Newswire for the full story.
