MP Sponsors Petition to Make Poutine Canada’s National Dish

Diners eat poutine in Quebec in an undated photo. Shutterstock

Independent MP Kevin Vuong has sponsored a House of Commons petition to make poutine Canada’s national dish.

“No matter what gender, ethnic origin, creed, geographic region, community, culture, linguistic community, political party or ideology Canadians identify with, there are lovers of poutine in their midst,” reads electronic petition e-4462, which was first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.

“Poutine can serve as a vehicle to bridge differences between us and unite Canadians in conversation over a dish we can generally agree is delicious.”

Poutine is a “quintessential Canadian comfort food,” the petition says, noting the dish can be found all across Canada, is served at numerous annual festivals that bring together Canadians of all backgrounds, and was even served at the March 10, 2016, state dinner when the U.S. president hosted Canada’s prime minister for the first time in 19 years.

Mr. Vuong wrote on Twitter that petitions can be initiated by residents on a number of topics and, while it is the duty of an MP to present petitions, it “doesn’t mean that we necessarily agree with the opinion or request.”

“Though, for the record, I love poutine, even if my arteries don’t,” Mr. Vuong added.

The electronic petition is open to signatures until September 29. The designation of an official food by Act of Parliament would be a first for Canada.

While emblems designated by Acts of Parliament include the beaver as a national symbol in 1975, the maple as a national tree in 1996, and the Canadian breed as a national horse in 2002, Canada has no official food.

In 2017, the Department of Industry launched the New Tourism Vision campaign to make Canada “a destination for international travelers seeking world-class culinary experiences.” No final conclusion was reached on an all-Canadian dish.