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What's Coming Up in Home Ec?

Ottawa Home Economics Association held its 93rd Annual General Meeting on June 16, 2026
with a wonderful Tea and Fundraiser included to support the Inuit Infant Nutrition Program in Ottawa. Pink tablecloths, dainty sandwiches, sweet treats, strawberry shortcake and peony bouquets (for sale) all added great atmosphere to the day. It was truly a team approach – typical of Home Economists together in action.

Guest Speaker Norma Ventura, Facilitator of the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) outlined the Program which offers direct nutrition and health support to pregnant women and new mothers with babies up to 18 months old. It provides prenatal vitamins, healthy nutrition education, and medical appointment accompaniment.

The month-long fundraiser provided over $12,000. Thanks to all members who supported this campaign. Funds raised are invested in the endowed Ottawa Home Economics Association Community Fund which supports the CPNP.

Submitted by:
Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.

A Visit to the Canada Agriculture & Food Museum – Ottawa

Diane O’Shea, P.H.Ec. (seated) joined her friends Dr. Peggy O’Neil and Mary Carver, P.H.Ec (right) for a fun tour of the Canada Agriculture & Food Museum on July 14th.

Seen here the group was reviewing the great variety of children’s books available on food production in Canada.

“We were pleased to see how the importance of family food traditions was emphasized in the in the exhibit,” said Mary Carver.

The demonstration kitchen was featuring a refreshing Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade. Yum.

Promoting Children’s Food Literacy in the Summer

On July 16th, Dr. Isabelle Giroux, P.H.Ec. (standing 2nd from left) and her student leaders welcomed Dr. Peggy O’Neil, (front row right) Diane O’Shea, P.H.Ec. and Mary Carver, P.H.Ec. (right) to the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Health Sciences cooking labs where they are running a very successful summer school program for children.

Master of Education in Home Economics Education program at University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC is offering an online, part-time Master of Education in Home Economics Education program starting in September 2026. This program is aimed towards educators, and professionals working in NGOs, policy development, and home economics facets such as health and nutrition, food studies, fashion and textiles, family studies, and consumer science. Learn more about this program at their website.

Ontario residents can now freeze their credit for free — here's why you should | Romana King for money.ca

Equifax is helping Ontarians protect themselves from fraud by introducing a new free Credit Lock service. This service prevents Equifax from giving out your credit score and personal information to lenders, “effectively blocking anyone from opening new credit in your name without your knowledge.” Learn more about the service in this article.

Children’s cereals promise breakfast fun and nutrition, but are still high in sugar | Charlene Elliott for The Conversation

Professor Charlene Elliot from the University of Calgary recently published a study comparing 103 children’s cereals on nutrition vs. nutrition claims. Products may target children with fun packaging, but also adults to “reassure shoppers”. “...the cereals averaged 30.4 per cent of calories coming from sugar — with one cereal, also claiming to be “Made with whole grain oats” and a “Source of 7 essential nutrients,” containing 58.2 per cent of calories from sugar per serving”. Read this article here.

More Choice. More Control. More Canada: The National Food Security Strategy | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada released Canada’s National Food Security Food Strategy document in June 2026. This document highlights new initiatives to protect food security in Canada with rising food costs amidst global external pressures. Learn more about the plans to “make Canada's food system more resilient, more affordable, and more our own.”

Canada Strong Pass Makes Summer Travelling Easier for Youth and Families

From June 19th to September 7th, 2026 Canadians and visitors can explore Canada at discounted rates. Perks include free admission or discounts to national parks, national or provincial museums and galleries, and VIA Rail for children and young adults aged 18 to 24. This is not a physical pass to purchase, just check whether certain sites are participating in this initiative. For more details on these benefits, check out their website.