In Canada, dietary risks are one of the three leading risk factors for disease burden, as measured by death and disability combined.7 Tobacco use and high body mass index (BMI) are the other two.Chronic diseases impacted
by diet—namely ischemic heart disease, stroke, colorectal cancer, diabetes, and breast cancer— are among the leading causes of premature death in Canada.7,8 The burden of chronic disease in Canada varies across populations. Indigenous Peoples in Canada face a greater burden of chronic disease than the general population. For example, First Nations populations in Canada have disproportionally higher rates of diabetes.9,10 However, the rates vary across communities and between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations. In addition, Indigenous Peoples face barriers to adequately managing chronic disease. In Canada, chronic diseases account for approximately one third of direct health care costs.16 The Canadian population is aging,17 faces high rates of obesity,18,19 and engages in sedentary.