Landmark Senate bill signals federal action on a national food allergy framework
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada! TrainCan found this Press Release to be of timely interest, and thinks you will too!
Article Published May 7, 2026
Article Source: https://foodallergycanada.ca/landmark-senate-bill-signals-federal-action-on-a-national-food-allergy-framework/
Toronto, Ontario, May 7, 2026 – Marking a pivotal moment of federal attention, Food Allergy Canada welcomes Senator Andrew Cardozo’s landmark new bill, introduced in the Red Chamber this week, as a major step toward a national food allergy framework that could save lives and improve the quality of life for more than 3 million affected Canadians. The organization is urging all senators to support the proposed legislation.
Bill S-247, An Act to establish a national framework on food allergy, sets out a coordinated national approach to reduce the incidence and risk of food allergy, improve access to timely diagnosis and evidence-based care, strengthen education and awareness, and enhance safety and quality of life for Canadians with food allergy. The bill’s introduction coincides with the start of Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada.
“This marks an important turning point for Canadians affected by food allergy,” said Jennifer Gerdts, Executive Director of Food Allergy Canada. “Decades of research have deepened our understanding of food allergy and identified clear pathways to reduce risk and improve outcomes. The challenge has been translating that knowledge into action. This bill is a critical step toward closing those gaps — advancing prevention, improving care, enhancing safety, and ensuring reliable support for individuals and families across Canada.”
“As a Canadian affected by food allergy, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating this serious medical condition,” said Senator Andrew Cardozo. “I am appreciative for advocates such as Food Allergy Canada. Their sustained efforts to educate the public and to pursue evidence-based strategies that keep people safe, out of hospital, and enjoying a good quality of life is important work. I believe this proposed legislation, if passed, would go a long way in helping to drive those worthy efforts.”
Among the 3 million-plus Canadians impacted by food allergy are 600,000 children and their families, like Heidi Hauver and her son Sullivan.
“A parent’s most important job is to keep their child safe – and with food allergy, that comes with unique challenges,” said Heidi Hauver. “Even a small amount of my son’s allergen can cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. What helps is access to accurate ingredient information, availability of life-saving epinephrine, and an informed and supportive community. I am hopeful this proposed legislation will strengthen each of those supports.”
“Senator Cardozo’s bill is a critical opportunity to translate evidence into coordinated national action that better supports Canadians living with food allergy,” said Dr. Harold Kim, Past President, Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. “Preventable allergic reactions place avoidable strain on an already stretched healthcare system. By acting on the evidence to reduce risk and improve management, we can enhance patient outcomes while strengthening the system overall.”
The proposed national framework advances meaningful opportunities for prevention and improved care, while offering renewed hope for Canadians with food allergy, as well as their families and caregivers. The organization also extends its appreciation to Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia and MP Ben Lobb for their contributions to moving this issue forward.
Food Allergy Canada looks forward to working collaboratively with government, healthcare professionals, community stakeholders, and individuals and families affected by food allergy to help shape Canada’s first national food allergy framework.
About Food Allergy Canada
Food Allergy Canada is a national non-profit and Canada’s leading patient organization committed to educating, supporting, and advocating for the more than three million Canadians impacted by food allergy. The organization focuses on providing the education and support needed to effectively navigate food allergy, building informed and supportive communities, and acting as the national voice on key issues.
For more information:
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting, for Food Allergy Canada
416-996-0767 / christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
Beatrice Povolo
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Food Allergy Canada
bpovolo@foodallergy.ca
Ross Speer, DPhil
Parliamentary Affairs Advisor | Office of the Honourable Andrew Cardozo