Vancouver Meatless Monday – the First Canadian City

Vancouver, Canada is on track to become the first Canadian city to endorse Meatless Mondays! According to the Vancouver Food Policy Council, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson is expected to sign a proclamation officially declaring June 10, 2013 as Meatless Monday. Organizers say the day will be celebrated with community events that will spread awareness about–and celebrate–the benefits of meat-free eating.

Meatless Monday has already been endorsed by major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC as well as by school districts and restaurants that have implemented Meatless Monday menus.

“It’s a great start, and an excellent way to bring attention to the environmental and other benefits of being more careful about our meat consumption, ” said Trish Kelly, co-chair of the Vancouver Food Policy Council, the group spearheading the initiative.

The proclamation endorsing Meatless Monday will aligns with the city’s Greenest City Action Plan as well as with the city’s environmental goals.

While Vancouver may be the first city recognizing Meatless Monday, Canadians across the country are actively speaking out for farmed animals. Recently, the Retail Council of Canada and eight major grocery chains announced they will phase out sow gestation crates in their pork supply chains.

Want to get your own city involved? Approach your local city council with our sample resolution, set up a meeting with a school cafeteria, or ask a restaurant to implement more veg-friendly options!