We are chefs, restaurateurs, and food service professionals who are directly impacted and deeply concerned by the proposed suspension of the Culinary Program at Confederation College. This program is of paramount importance to us, to the students who hope to join our ranks, and to the community that enjoys, expects and depends on our services.

This program has time and again proven its value to the Northern Ontario culinary landscape. It has a phenomenal track record of fostering community, sovereignty, and culinary excellence in our region. It is the only program of it's type within nearly 1000 kilometres, and the only program that understands the unique community that Northern Ontario and it's needs. 

Suspending this program does not just threaten the future of aspiring chefs and our businesses, but it also jeopardizes the culinary identity and food security of northern Ontario. Statistics Canada data gives a glimpse into this program's role in fueling our local food industry’s growth, contributing to a 4% rise in food business ventures between 2010 and 2015.

Thus, we strongly urge the Confederation College administration to reconsider suspending the Culinary Program. Our industry needs this program to preserve, promote and grow the culinary profession. Please amplify our cause and sign this petition to keep the Culinary Program at Confederation College alive.