Greens appoint Halifax Entrepreneur as Party Local Food and Food Security Critic

OTTAWA — Leader of the Green Party, Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands) has named Lil MacPherson (Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, N.S.) as critic for Food and Food Security on her Shadow Cabinet. The Shadow Cabinet develops party positions based on policies adopted by Green Party membership.

Ms. MacPherson is passionate about local issues concerning food and sustainability. She is the founder and co-owner of The Wooden Monkey restaurants, located in Halifax and Dartmouth. Serving food with a conscience is the restaurant's mission and many awards have recognized this statement. The business was born out of climate change food security challenges for Nova Scotia and now purchases directly from 13 – 15 farmers, buying as many local products as possible, even from her own farm.

“A Food Security plan is only as strong as the soil beneath our feet, said Ms. MacPherson.  “Civilizations rise and fall due to their management of soil. Our survival depends on protecting this critical resource.  A Canada that can feed itself, is a stronger Canada. Food security exists when people have access to affordable, fresh local food. Food Security is Paramount.”

“I cannot think of anyone better suited to guide the party on food and food security than Lil MacPherson,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “The climate crisis will exacerbate issues of food security both in Canada and globally. Lil’s experience working with local farmers and her knowledge about  food sustainability. will be invaluable to the party.”

“To achieve this National Food Security Plan for Canadians we must shift our food and farming system towards significantly increased production and consumption of locally grown, locally produced, and locally sourced food.  A government-supported program to help shift away from intensive large scale fossil fuel-based food production, to a Healthy Regenerative Organic Farming System. This system will be a game-changer for Canada,” concluded Ms. MacPherson.

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For more information or to arrange an interview contact:

Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206
rosie.emery@greenparty.ca