Canada’s First MasterChef Eric Chong Joins Chef Colin Henderson for an Infused Collaboration at Café Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Toronto, Canada – WEBWIRE



Culinary magic continues to be made at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto as Café Boulud welcomes Canada’s first MasterChef for a one-night-only collaboration dinner. Chef-partner at the helm of R&D Restaurant, Eric Chong will join forces with Café Boulud Chef de Cuisine Colin Henderson. On Tuesday, April 26, 2022guests are invited to enjoy a three-course menu inspired and guided by both chefs’ expertise, cooking styles and techniques from around the world.

“I am honoured to live in a city with unmatched local culinary talents like Chef Eric,” says Chef Colin Henderson. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with someone with such strong talent and creative vision to curate this innovative menu. We’re excited for guests to experience a culinary journey infusing elements, flavours and ingredients from both Asia and Europe – a balanced harmony between our two restaurants.”


After becoming Canada’s first MasterChef in 2014, Chef Eric developed his craft through a prestigious apprenticeship in Hong Kong under the mentorship of Michelin-starred MasterChef Judge Alvin Leung. Together, Chef Alvin and Chef Eric opened R&D, serving Asian cuisine in the heart of Toronto.


Guests will begin with an amuse-bouche of foie gras with tangerine and cashews, followed by the evening’s first course, ravioli in crab tom yum broth with lime leaf oil and chili oil. Next up, a savoury rotisserie suckling pig accompanied by hoisin pork jus, ginger and scallion relish. Pastry Sous Chef Kevin Levionnois has created a pandan and coconut opera dessert to end the evening on a sweet note. Each course will be accompanied by a wine pairing carefully selected by Wine Director and Sommelier Julie Garton.


Tickets to the collaboration dinner are CAD 170 per person excluding taxes and gratuities. Dinner service will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.


Reservations are required as seating is limited. To secure a reservation, click here or call Café Boulud directly at 416 963 6000.

Canada – Canada’s largest science-based regulator marks 25 years of protecting food, plants and animals

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is celebrating 25 years of safeguarding Canada’s food supply—but the Agency is about much more than just food.

April 4, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is celebrating 25 years of safeguarding Canada’s food supply—but the Agency is about much more than just food.

Safe food starts with healthy plants and animals. That’s why the CFIA also works to prevent the spread of invasive plants, plant pests and animal diseases. In fact, Canada is the only jurisdiction in the world bringing the whole food chain together under one roof.

The CFIA’s work touches all Canadians, whether it is a potato farmer who wants to sell products in Canada and abroad, seed producers who want to develop new ways to breed plants, a cattle rancher, a person transporting livestock in their truck, a consumer at the grocery store, a gardener at the garden centre, or a traveller coming into Canada.

The CFIA is powered by its people—including inspectors, veterinarians and scientists—who work tirelessly to make sure Canadians can trust that the food on their plates is safe, protect Canada’s plant and animal resource base from diseases and pests, facilitate trade and market access for Canadian-made products, and conduct innovative research.

Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, the CFIA has played a critical role in keeping international markets open to Canadian agricultural products. Through science, innovation and evidence-based decision-making, the Agency has a solid foundation to continue responding to challenges of the modern world, including a global food supply chain, climate change and emerging diseases.

Inspect. Protect. Connect. Everyone in Canada can join the CFIA in celebrating its 25th anniversary by learning more about the Agency’s role, diverse workforce, and the actions we can all take to help protect our precious food, plant and animal resources.

“This year, the CFIA celebrates 25 years of scientific, inspection and enforcement innovations, and both operational and regulatory excellence. Safeguarding food safety and plant and animal health as well as supporting market access is a mandate of critical importance to all of us here at the CFIA, and to Canadians. I am immensely proud and deeply honoured to work alongside so many passionate and committed CFIA employees who are dedicated to delivering on that promise each and every day.”

– Dr. Siddika Mithani, President of the CFIA

“I would like to recognize the thousands of CFIA staff who have achieved so many important milestones over the past quarter century to protect and safeguard our food supply. Thanks to their efforts, the food we eat in Canada is among the safest in the world. As we recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to ongoing economic, environmental and global changes, the CFIA will continue to be there for Canadians as a trusted science-based regulator.”

– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) touches the lives of all Canadians in so many positive ways. Each day, hard-working CFIA employees—including inspectors, veterinarians and scientists—inspect food for safety risks, protect plants from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could threaten Canada’s national herd and human health. Guided by science-based decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency works tirelessly to ensure access to safe and healthy food in Canada, and support access to international markets for our high-quality agricultural products. To learn more, visit inspection.canada.ca.

Canada – Biography: Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer

Stephanie Cadieux is a change leader, an advocate for diversity, accessibility, disability inclusion and an entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in planning and leadership roles.

Stephanie Cadieux is a change leader, an advocate for diversity, accessibility, disability inclusion and an entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in planning and leadership roles.

Ms. Cadieux served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2009 until 2022. She was the Minister of Children and Family Development from 2012 to 2017, and between 2010 and 2012, held various positions, including Minister of Social Development; Minister of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government; and Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Prior to her engagement in provincial politics, Ms. Cadieux was the director of marketing and public relations for the BC Paraplegic Association from 2004 until 2009. She was also the provincial peer coordinator for this organization from 2001 until 2004.

Ms. Cadieux is a member of the disability community, using a wheelchair since the age of 18.  Her lived experience allows her to have a deep understanding of accessibility issues faced by people with disabilities.

Canada – Canada’s poverty rate decreased significantly in 2020   

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken action to support Canadians and the Canadian economy. The economic shock wrought by the pandemic required an unprecedented government response to help Canadians weather its aftereffects.

Federal emergency and recovery benefits mitigated the pandemic’s economic impact 

March 23, 2022              Gatineau, Quebec              Employment and Social Development CanadaSince the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken action to support Canadians and the Canadian economy. The economic shock wrought by the pandemic required an unprecedented government response to help Canadians weather its aftereffects.

Today, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould welcomed the results of the 2020 Canadian Income Survey, which showed that the government’s swift action in 2020 resulted in a substantial decrease in Canada’s overall poverty rate.

Federal emergency and recovery benefits introduced in 2020 through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan—in addition to programs at the provincial, territorial and municipal levels—played a key role in mitigating the pandemic’s impacts among vulnerable populations.

Between 2019 and 2020, the overall poverty rate fell by more than one third, from 10.3% to 6.4%, representing over 1.4 million fewer Canadians living in poverty, including 332,000 children and 162,000 seniors. In particular, the supports introduced in 2020 helped lift Canadians with the lowest income – those who were on the brink – out of poverty. In addition, income inequality in 2020 was at its lowest level in 45 years, which demonstrates meaningful progress towards the government’s goal of building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

The poverty rate in Canada has decreased steadily since 2015. While the results in the 2020 Canadian Income Survey are encouraging, they must be considered in the context of a year which saw unprecedented and temporary government income support measures. As Canada continues its recovery from the pandemic, with February 2022 seeing unemployment rates falling below pre-COVID-19 levels for the first time, the Government will continue to work to ensure a strong recovery for everyone.

“Quick government action helped lift Canadians out of poverty, when the pandemic could have pushed them over the brink. Today’s report is encouraging, but we know there is more to do to reduce poverty in Canada and ensure an inclusive recovery. Our government is working hard to grow a more resilient and inclusive economy that gives all Canadians a real and fair chance at success.”

– Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould

Canada – Canada’s humanitarian assistance for Ukraine

On February 25, 2022, Canada announced that it would match donations made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis up to a maximum of $10 million. On March 10, 2022, Canada announced that this amount would be increased up to a maximum of $30 million.

On February 25, 2022, Canada announced that it would match donations made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis up to a maximum of $10 million. On March 10, 2022, Canada announced that this amount would be increased up to a maximum of $30 million.

This brings Canada’s total funding allocated to Ukraine for humanitarian assistance to $145 million to date in 2022. This includes the initial $15 million announced in January and $100 million announced on March 1, of which $50 million has been allocated to experienced partners who have the capacity to scale up operations and the flexibility to address the needs of mobile displaced populations. These partners also have the flexibility to use this money to respond to needs in Ukraine and across the region, including to support efforts welcoming refugee populations in neighbouring countries. This funding is being distributed as follows.

HelpAge Canada: $2 million
This funding will help provide food assistance, emergency non-food items, hygiene kits, access to safe drinking water and psychosocial support and help respond to the protection needs of older people and their families. It will also provide health equipment and consumables to health care facilities.

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: $2.5 million
This funding will support national Red Cross societies in providing integrated assistance, including through the provision of shelter, livelihood support and cash in line with an International Federation of the Red Cross appeal.

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF): $8 million
The UHF channels funding to assist communities requiring water, shelter, food and other basic needs, including through NGOs and local humanitarian actors inside Ukraine. Contributions made by the UHF support a wide range of organizations on the front lines of the response to the current situation in Ukraine to ensure the funding reaches the people most in need when they need it.

Save the Children Canada: $2 million
This funding will be used to provide protection to unaccompanied and separated children; mental health and psychosocial support for children, caregivers and humanitarian workers; cash and vouchers to address basic needs; and non-food items, including personal protective equipment, and hygiene and dignity kits.

SOS Children’s Villages Canada: $2 million
This funding will support protection services for children affected by the crisis, including unaccompanied and separated children. It will also provide emergency shelter, non-food items, nutrition and health services, as well as access to safe drinking water and hygiene materials.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): $6 million
This funding will enable the UNHCR to scale up its operations, as outlined in the UNHCR’s Refugee Response Plan, including by providing shelter, emergency relief items, cash assistance, and mental health and psychosocial support to those who have fled Ukraine, including those with special needs, such as unaccompanied children.

World Food Programme (WFP): $25 million
This funding will help the WFP scale up critical food assistance and logistics operations inside Ukraine and enable transport capacity to maintain the continuity of food supply chains.

World Health Organization (WHO): $1.5 million
This funding will support the WHO’s efforts to buy and deliver urgent medical supplies, develop supply chains to facilitate the undisrupted provision of medical supplies and medical kits to Ukraine and ensure access to health care facilities and humanitarian health care.

CANADEM: $500,000
This funding will allow CANADEM to support the deployment of humanitarian experts to fill short-term surge capacity positions with UN agencies that are delivering humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

IMPACT: $500,000
This funding will allow IMPACT to provide essential information, tools and data to enhance the capacity of humanitarian actors to make evidence-based decisions within the complex context of the crisis.