Strengthening democratic governance in times of crisis

Lessons from the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council

Authors

  • Johanna Wilkes Wilfrid Laurier University; Balsillie School of International Affairs
  • Charles Z. Levkoe Lakehead University
  • Peter Andrée Carleton University
  • Jill K. Clark John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cfs-rcea.v12i1.738

Keywords:

Civil society, food system governance, participatory governance

Abstract

Democracy, including processes that govern food systems, are under threat of erosion. Contextualizing and articulating governance challenges is an essential first step. However, it is valuable to look to practices that provide more meaningful ways of engaging non-state actors in government processes. In this commentary, we look at the establishment and activities of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council (the Council) which has been “learning-by-doing” participatory governance. The Council offers insights into both the strengths and challenges that face participatory governance as well as highlights ways these processes can be strengthened. In such a critical time, it is important to strengthen mechanisms of engagement that both bolster meaningful engagement and accountability between the government and rights holders.

 

Title reads: Carceral Food Systems under an image of a tomato plant and a chain intertwined. The tomato plant appears to break through the chains.

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Published

2025-05-09

How to Cite

Wilkes, J., Levkoe, C. Z., Andrée, P., & Clark, J. K. (2025). Strengthening democratic governance in times of crisis : Lessons from the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council . Canadian Food Studies La Revue Canadienne Des études Sur l’alimentation, 12(1), 140–144. https://doi.org/10.15353/cfs-rcea.v12i1.738

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2025): Exploring carceral food systems: Tensions, experiences and possibilities

Section

Commentaries

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Johanna Wilkes

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