Is Starving North Canada A Political Decision?

What if hunger in Northern Canada isn’t just a matter of distance or cost, but politics?

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Director of Indigenous Affairs at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, pulls back the curtain on the structural issues driving hunger in the North. He shares how policies rooted in colonialism, economic inequity, and environmental mismanagement continue to starve these communities.

Dr. Joseph explains why short-term aid like grocery rebates can’t replace long-term systemic change, and shares grassroots solutions already thriving in Northern communities.

Justice-driven solutions and powerful truths await. Listen now to explore how Northern communities are reclaiming their food systems.

▶️ Is Starving North Canada A Political Decision?

Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Vice President, Equity and Inclusion, NOSM University and Vice President of AFMC and a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. A lifelong Northern Ontarian, he is deeply committed to advancing culturally safe health care and education for Indigenous communities. With a PhD in Forest Sciences and a strong background in community health, he brings valuable experience from academic, Indigenous, and non-profit sectors. Dr. LeBlanc has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Top 20 Under 40 Northwestern Ontario Visionary Award. His leadership supports NOSM's mandate of social accountability and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples across the region. 

Website: https://www.nosm.ca/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenosm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/nosmuniversity/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenosm/ 

Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all.

Website: https://sumanroy.ca/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/ 

X: https://x.com/chefsuman 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA 

Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating o