Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #259: The Northern Food Program  (Northern Food Program)

Outline
The Northern Food Program consists of three linked activities that will assist Northerners to make health, informed choices of diet from science based risk benefit assessments: 1.Dietary Intake Study. A comprehensive assessment and integrate of existing information on dietary intake patterns of Northern people, primarily in Canadian Northern regions to: •Identify gaps and opportunities to begin addressing priority areas •Adapt, develop and test methodology to capture and track dietary intake over sub populations and regions •Build International partnerships and networks to establish a coordinated sustainable system that would allow comprehensive tracking and monitoring changes in dietary patterns. 2. Northern Diet Study. A representative collection of foods from Northern Canada and other circumpolar nations for laboratory analysis to characterize the chemical, microbiological and nutritional composition of foods consumed by Northerners. This will be built on existing centers of expertise including Health Canada’s Food Chemical Safety Program, HECS, FNIHB, CINE, IUCH and other international partners. 3. Health Impact Assessments. Integrate results of the Northern Diet Study with population intake patterns to: • Assess health risks and benefits associated with current and changing levels of chemical, microbiological contaminants and nutrients in Northern diet • Identify key health outcomes, data sources, and key gaps • Disseminate and communicate results and their implications to all stakeholders.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The study will assist Northerners to make health, informed choices of diet of country and market foods by: • providing insight into incidence of diet related disease • assessing nutritional intake improved health risk-benefit assessments for exposure to persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins, PCBs and PBDEs from Northern diet

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Health Canada will be seeking collaboration with other Northern circumpolar nations including Norway, Finland and Russia on this initiative.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The proposed field work will be primarily in regions encompassed by 65oN, 120o W; 65o N, 60o W; and 80o N, 90o W. Other geographic locations may be included through international collaboration.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/07 – 03/09            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Fixed wing aircraft, helicopters for transport of personnel to isolated communities

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Northern people will be trained to administer questionnaires and other dietary intake indicators

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Commercial operator

Transport logistics will be supplied primarily by commercial operators.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - This project is endorsed by the Government of Canada

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

Health Canada has an ongoing, representative collection of foods in southern Canadian regions which undergo laboratory analysis to characterize the nature of chemical, nutritional and microbiological agents in food.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Health Canada will take the lead on the study with assistance from CINE (Center for Indigenous People’s Nutrition and Environment), FNIHB (First Nations and Inuit Health Branch) and IUCH (International Union for Circumpolar Health)

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Community outreach, education and communication are essential to the success of this study. Communities would be reached through CINE, IUCH contacts and Aboriginal Band Councils to establish a work plan and communication protocols.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All data generated will be disseminated through publications, website postings, and provided to the Northern participants and Band Councils.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
There is no source of funding currently identified for this proposal

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

A/Director General Paul Mayers
Health Canada
Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch
Tunney’s Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Canada

Tel: 613-957-1821
Mobile: no
Fax: 613-957-1784
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation