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Mississauga becomes the 50th city to endorse the call for a global Plant Based Treaty

City agrees to encourage residents to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diets as a cost-effective and impactful climate action measure

September 26 — Mississauga has officially endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, joining the Canadian municipalities of Caledon and Brampton, also in Ontario. With this endorsement, Mississauga becomes the 50th city to support the call for a global Plant Based Treaty to champion a food system transformation as a critical solution to the climate crisis.

The Plant Based Treaty motion, which passed unanimously, was introduced on September 24 by Councillor Stephen Dasko and seconded by Councillor Matt Mahoney, following sustained local advocacy. Earlier in March 2025, Plant Based Treaty Mississauga presented at the City’s Environmental Action Committee, urging the city to endorse. More recently, on September 15, the Plant Based Treaty team visited Mississauga City Hall, delivering information packs to every councillor to highlight how endorsing the Treaty would position the city as a climate action leader.

In its Plant Based Treaty motion, Mississauga recognizes the interconnected nature of climate action and food security, along with the importance of plant-based food systems in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable and inclusive community practices.

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September 26 — Mississauga has officially endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, joining the Canadian municipalities of Caledon and Brampton, also in Ontario. With this endorsement, Mississauga becomes the 50th city to support the call for a global Plant Based Treaty to champion a food system transformation as a critical solution to the climate crisis.

The Plant Based Treaty motion, which passed unanimously, was introduced on September 24 by Councillor Stephen Dasko and seconded by Councillor Matt Mahoney, following sustained local advocacy. Earlier in March 2025, Plant Based Treaty Mississauga presented at the City’s Environmental Action Committee, urging the city to endorse. More recently, on September 15, the Plant Based Treaty team visited Mississauga City Hall, delivering information packs to every councillor to highlight how endorsing the Treaty would position the city as a climate action leader.

In its Plant Based Treaty motion, Mississauga recognizes the interconnected nature of climate action and food security, along with the importance of plant-based food systems in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable and inclusive community practices.

Councillor Stephen Dasko said, “I was pleased to bring forward a motion to endorse the principles of the Plant Based Treaty that align with the City of Mississauga’s objectives of building a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient future for our community. I also want to acknowledge the dedication and focus of the local group whose advocacy has helped bring greater attention to these important goals.”

In the Plant Based Treaty motion, Mississauga has committed to:

  • Promote and expand public education and awareness campaigns encouraging residents to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diets as a cost-effective and impactful climate action measure.
  • Explore opportunities to support equitable access to affordable fruits, vegetables, and legumes, with a particular focus on addressing food deserts and advancing food justice across the city in collaboration with community organizations and partners.
  • Support the expansion of community gardens, teaching gardens, and other local food-growing initiatives, including partnerships that provide food donations to local food banks and community-serving organizations.
  • Advance reforestation initiatives, prioritizing the planting of native tree species to restore habitats, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance carbon sequestration in alignment with the Natural Heritage and Urban Forest Strategy.
  • Endorse the goals of the Plant Based Treaty as consistent with the objectives of the City’s Climate Change Action Plan, Urban Agriculture Strategy, and Parks, Forestry and Environment Master Plan, recognizing that plant-based food systems contribute both to greenhouse gas reduction and to improved community food security.

Plant Based Treaty Mississauga campaigner, Yarim Hinojosa said, “Endorsing the Plant Based Treaty is a powerful step that strengthens Mississauga’s commitment to food security and climate action. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to cut food emissions, strengthen food security, and add plant-based approaches to our climate solutions toolkit.”

Local resident and Plant Based Treaty Mississauga volunteer, Filip Plaskota, said, “Mississauga shows that the future is best met head-on by promoting plant-based food solutions. By endorsing the Plant Based Treaty, the city builds on its inclusive and innovative spirit to create a healthier, more resilient community.”

Background

The Plant Based Treaty is modeled on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and since its launch in August 2021, the initiative has received support from 50 cities, more than a quarter of a million individual endorsers, 5 Nobel laureates, IPCC scientists, and more than 4000 groups and businesses, including Plant Based Canada, 350 Toronto, and chapters of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

The Plant Based Treaty has secured high-profile endorsements from celebrities, including Bif Naked, and Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney, who issued a written statement calling for politicians to support the Plant-Based Treaty. They said: “We believe in justice for animals, the environment and people. That’s why we support the Plant Based Treaty and urge individuals and governments to sign it.”

Learn more at plantbasedtreaty.org

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