Toronto-area MP Jamil Jivani has sparked discussion within the Conservative Party after not being appointed to a critic role by party leader Pierre Poilievre. Jivani, recognized as a prominent younger voice in the Canadian conservative movement, has raised eyebrows with his recent comments regarding the Liberal government's national school-lunch program.

In a video posted on social media, Jivani expressed his concerns about the implications of the program, which aims to provide funding for school lunches. He stated, "It should frighten us that there are parents who can’t buy their own kids lunch. But the government shouldn’t be your daddy; the government shouldn’t be your mother. We have families, and families should be strong enough to provide for their children, and when they’re not that should break our hearts."

The Liberal government has committed $1 billion over five years to support this initiative, with plans for more than $200 million in permanent funding starting in 2029. Jivani's remarks have drawn criticism, with some interpreting his stance as a lack of support for children who may go hungry at school.

The response to Jivani's comments has been mixed. Critics, particularly from the left, have accused the Conservatives of being indifferent to child hunger. Some within the Conservative Party have also questioned whether this issue could be politically damaging. Jivani, however, appears unfazed by potential backlash, focusing instead on projecting strength and confidence in his party's stance.

Historically, school lunch programs have been a common practice in various educational settings. A 2013 study from Queen’s University indicated that only 53% of Canadian schools had a cafeteria. Jivani acknowledged that many Canadians might support a national school-lunch program, but he argued that it may not be the most effective solution to ensure children are fed.

He suggested that providing subsidies directly to parents could be a more efficient way to address the issue of child hunger. Jivani's perspective highlights a broader debate within the Conservative Party about the best approach to social welfare and government intervention.

As the national conversation continues, Jivani's comments have positioned him at the center of a contentious issue, raising questions about the Conservative Party's direction and its response to social programs aimed at supporting families and children in need.