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Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information
Introduction

Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information provides information about the functions, programs, activities and related information holdings of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. It provides individuals and employees of the government (current and former) with relevant information to assist them in exercising their rights under the Privacy Act to access personal information about themselves that is held by government institutions.

guide on how access to information and personal information requests work and the list of institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act are available centrally.

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.

Background

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) plans and priorities link directly to the Government of Canada's priorities for safeguarding the food supply, bolstering economic prosperity, strengthening security at the border, protecting the environment and contributing to the health of Canadians.

The CFIA is one of Canada's largest science-based regulatory agencies. The agency's vision is to excel as a science-based regulator, trusted and respected by Canadians and the international community. The CFIA's mission is to safeguard food, animals and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy. Learn more about the CFIA's mandate.

The CFIA has more than 6,000 professionals working across Canada in the National Capital Region and in 4 operational regions — Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and Western. Every day, the agency's employees help to safeguard plant and animal health, prevent food safety hazards, manage food safety investigations and recalls, and protect the marketplace from unfair practices.

The CFIA is led by its President who reports to the Minister of Health.

Learn more about the CFIA's legislative foundation and reports to Parliament.

Responsibilities

The CFIA develops program requirements and delivers inspection and other services to:

  • prevent and manage food safety risks
  • protect plant resources from pests, diseases and invasive species
  • prevent and manage animal and zoonotic diseases
  • contribute to consumer protection
  • contribute to market access for Canada's food, plants, animals and their products

The CFIA bases its activities on science, effective risk management, commitment to service and efficiency, and collaboration with domestic and international organizations that share its objectives.

The CFIA is responsible for administering and enforcing 10 federal statutes and 22 regulations that govern the safety and labelling of food sold in Canada and support a sustainable plant and animal resource base.

The CFIA shares many areas of responsibility with other federal departments and agencies, provincial, territorial and municipal authorities, and other stakeholders. Within this complex operating environment, the agency works with its partners to implement food safety measures, manage food, animal and plant risks and emergencies, and promote the development of food safety and disease control systems to maintain the safety of Canada's high-quality agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture and fishery products. The agency's activities include: verifying the compliance of imported products; registering and inspecting establishments; testing food, animals and plants, and their related products; and approving the use of many agricultural inputs. The agency also provides scientific advice, develops new technologies, provides testing services and conducts regulatory research.

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