What would happen if we treated feeding Northern Canada not as a challenge, but as a moral duty?

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Vice President of Equity and Inclusion at NOSM University and Vice President of Associate Faculties of Medicine of Canada, shares firsthand insights on why hunger in the North is political, not just geographical. He highlights grassroots successes that show what’s possible when communities are given the means to lead their own food systems.

You’ll learn how policy gaps, colonial legacies, and extractive resource management continue to starve Indigenous communities while much of Canada remains unaware. 

Let this episode move you to ask harder questions and rethink what it means to stand in solidarity. Press play and hear what it truly takes to feed a nation fairly.

▶️ Why Feeding Northern Canada Is a Moral Imperative

Dr. Joseph LeBlanc is the Director of Indigenous Affairs at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. A lifelong Northern Ontarian, he is deeply committed to advancing culturally safe health care and education for Indigenous communities. With a PhD in Forest Sciences and a strong background in community health, he brings valuable experience from academic, Indigenous, and non-profit sectors. Dr. LeBlanc has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Top 20 Under 40 Northwestern Ontario Visionary Award. His leadership supports NOSM’s mandate of social accountability and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples across the region. 

Website: https://www.nosm.ca/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenosm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/nosmuniversity/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenosm/ 

Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all.

Website: https://sumanroy.ca/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/ 

X: https://x.com/chefsuman 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA 

Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. 

Website: https://www.theskillsaudit.ca/   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskillsaudit#  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacianeale/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skills-audit/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskillsaudit/