The government of Canada showcased safe, delicious, and high-quality foods Canadian farmers produce in a breakfast hosted by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz at the Calgary Stampede.
Ritz was joined by Agriculture parliamentary secretary Pierre Lemieux and industry leaders, who rolled up their sleeves to assist a selection of top Canadian chefs in cooking up the feast and spreading the word about Canada’s world-class agriculture products.
The event was overseen by Elora’s Anita Stewart – a Canadian gastronomer and author – who was the Master of Ceremonies and, using knowledge of the sector, delivered key messages about the quality, diversity and distinctiveness of Canadian food.
The four Chefs participating in the Savour Canada event include:
– Ned Bell from British Columbia;
– Chris Aerni from New Brunswick
– Jean-Pierre Curtat, from Quebec and;
– Michael Allemeier from Alberta
We know Canadian farmers grow and produce the best food in the world and we’re not shy to say it,” said Ritz. “Our government maximizes every opportunity, like the tremendous Calgary Stampede, to promote Canadian agriculture because we know increased international trade will deliver profits to the farm gate, stimulate economic growth, and deliver benefits to all Canadians.”
The event was part of the government’s on-going work to expand and re-invigorate international markets and follows a similar event at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Domestic and international media were invited to savour a diverse menu featuring key Canadian export products such as beef, pork, canola and pulse crops (peas, beans and lentils). Chefs Bell, Aerni, Curtat and Allemeier created the menu while Stewart explained the food being service.
As one of Canada’s most recognized tourist destinations, the Calgary Stampede provided a high-profile venue to showcase Canadian agriculture as it attracted visitors from around the globe and generated an annual economic impact of more than $100-million.
For more information about the Savour Canada event, including recipes of the dishes prepared by the chefs, visit www.eatCanadian.ca.
