2025 CCFI Public Trust Summit | Fear, Facts, and Food: The Fight for Trust

This year’s Public Trust Summit will explore one of the most urgent challenges facing Canada’s food system: the growing influence of misinformation on public trust. Recent research reveals that 91% of Canadians are concerned about food misinformation, yet the majority rarely verify the information they consume. This leaves the public vulnerable to misleading narratives—whether spread by socialmedia influencers, self-proclaimed experts, or organized disinformation campaigns aimed at eroding trust in food and farming.

The 2025 Summit will delve into the rise of “fear-fluencing”—the spread of fear through false or distorted information—and introduce new strategies to better connect with consumers, build trust, and uphold the integrity of our sector.

More than just a conversation, the Public Trust Summit is a national platform for bold dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. It brings together diverse voices from across the Canadian food system to shape a shared path forward—grounded infacts, transparency, and meaningful engagement.
The Westin Toronto Airport Hotel

• For the discounted group rate of $222.00 + taxes per night, please follow this link: The Westin

• Last day to book at the discounted rate is Monday October 6, 2024
• Complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport
• 24 hour fitness center
• Indoor pool open daily until 11pm
• Business center on site
• Parking available ($30/day)
• Restaurant, convenience store and dry cleaning service

Sneak Peek: Dr. Joe Schwarcz to Headline the Morning on Day 1 | "Separating Sense from Nonsense in Science and Food"

Dr. Joe, as he's widely known, is the Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society and one of Canada’s most engaging and trusted science communicators. A longtime CJAD radio host, columnist for the Montreal Gazette, and author of more than 20 bestselling books—including Quack Quack, The Right Chemistry, and A Grain of Salt—he’s spent decades translating complex science into plain language while debunking fear-based messaging and pseudoscience.

In his keynote address, “Separating Sense from Nonsense in Science,” Dr. Schwarcz will take on some of the biggest challenges we face in building and maintaining public trust in the food system:

• Why misinformation spreads so quickly—and what makes it stick
• How food fear and pseudoscience are influencing consumer behaviour
• The emotional power of storytelling vs. the limitations of raw data
• What scientists, communicators, and food system leaders can do differently
• How to foster curiosity, credibility, and connection in a skeptical world
  

This won’t be a lecture—it will be a masterclass in public communication, critical thinking, and trust-building across the food system. Delivered with Dr. Schwarcz’s signature humour, compelling stories, and sharp scientific insight, this keynote will resonate with anyone working in food production, education, science, health, marketing, policy, or media.

He’ll share real-world examples, bust persistent myths, and offer practical tools you can take back to your organization or community—helping all of us engage more effectively with the people we serve.

As we work together to elevate trust in Canada’s food system, there’s no better voice to launch the conversation than Dr. Joe.
Sponsorship Opportunities

Investing in the 2025 Public Trust Summit showcases your dedication to fostering trust within Canada’s food system. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with influential leaders elevating your visibility within the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

As a sponsor of the Summit, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Network and connect with other industry leaders, building valuable partnerships
• Speak and engage with the audience, sharing your insights and expertise with delegates
• Inspire the audience with your corporate vision, demonstrating your leadership in the food sector
• Showcase your programs and products, reaching a targeted audience of industry professionals

View the Sponsorship Package
View the Working Agenda (coming soon)

Addtional Info

We reserve the right to limit entry to this event to individuals who align with the objectives and mission of the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity.

Registration fees are non-refundable, but are transferable to an approved delegate. All presentations will be in English, however simultaneous audio translation will be available to those who would like to listen in French.

CCFI members of the Anchor or Leader level are eligible for complimentary registration(s). Please reach out to [email protected] for intructions on how to bypass payment using a promo code.

Questions? Feel free to contact [email protected]

Host or Publisher The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity