Consolidation of the Biocontainment Programs of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada

As of April 1, 2013, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is now the single window for stakeholders who require an import permit for both human and terrestrial animal pathogens. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to issue permits for animal pathogens that are not indigenous to Canada (i.e., pathogens causing foreign animal and emerging animal diseases), aquatic and plant pathogens as well as for animals, animal products and by-products, tissue, sera and blood that are infected with animal pathogens.

This change enhances the Government of Canada's capacity and capability to oversee pathogen-related work, without increasing public or animal health risks.

Both Agencies have been working to achieve program efficiencies for several years. This merger contributes to reducing regulatory burden related to administrative duplication in the area of pathogen regulation.

The scientific community, academia, diagnostic services, government laboratories and businesses that work with pathogens will benefit from streamlined processes and services. The Canadian public will benefit from a strengthened, harmonized regulatory program, and the Government of Canada will realize cost efficiencies as well as enhanced utilization of biocontainment expertise.