Overview

Vegan Option Canada is a nationwide grassroots political activism organization that aims to provide access to vegan options in a variety of areas, particularly vegan food options. Its founding principles are horizontality, decentralization of power, and a pragmatic-compassionate approach based on the values of compassion and non-violent resistance. This is not about forcing anyone to become a vegan against their will; quite the contrary. Based on a compassionate approach to reducing suffering, we call on the government, in accordance with section 2A of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to allow individuals to choose food that aligns with their conscience. Everyone should have the right to eat in accordance with their deep values and identity (creed). The purpose of Vegan Option Canada (VOC) is to make vegan options available in Canada. It is a matter of ensuring, throughout the country, that vegan choices are available for all people who wish to have them, in the field of food as in all aspects of life (education, clothing, etc.). In particular, VOC is working to make vegan options available in the public sector. More specifically, our movement seeks to amend Canadian legislation in order to obtain a mandatory vegan option for public cafeterias under federal, provincial, and municipal jurisdiction. This includes, but is not limited to, all hospitals, universities, seniors’ centres, and schools. VOC advocates that the right to access vegan alternatives, particularly vegan meals, should be recognized as a human right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Driven by the priority to alleviate suffering in the world, VOC aims specifically to improve human health, protect animals, and reduce environmental degradation. Vegan Option Canada is a collective of 90 allied members who share common projects. Cooperation and collaboration are essential to the success of these projects.