Message from Dr. Martine Dubuc, Vice-President, Science Branch

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is Canada's largest science-based regulator. As such, we rely on high-quality, timely, and relevant science to make informed decisions that contribute to international capacity-building for global health and food security.

Science in today's environment is complex. The type of scientific advice that decision-makers require has become increasingly complicated, and the demand for scientific services is always rising. Our scientists meet these needs by providing specialized laboratory testing, research, surveillance, risk assessment, product evaluation, and expert scientific advice. They also continuously develop the new technology required to support the CFIA's activities in its three business lines - food safety, animal health, and plant health.

Scientific activities require coordination and partnerships. We work regularly with universities, federal and provincial counterparts, industry, and national and international scientific communities. These connections help us maximize flexibility in a constantly evolving regulatory environment by leveraging our investments in testing, research, and development.

This document provides an overview of the important work conducted by our scientists as they meet the CFIA's regulatory needs of policy development, program maintenance, and operational delivery. The examples provided here focus on 2009 and 2010 and represent the multi-faceted work that CFIA scientists do every day.

For many years, our scientists have continued to demonstrate commitment to scientific leadership. Their expertise is used at the national and international levels to develop science-based standards and guidelines. This dedication contributes directly to public health, economic growth, and environmental protection in Canada.

Mission of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Our mission is to safeguard food, animals, and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment, and economy.

The CFIA is the largest science-based regulatory agency in Canada. It is responsible for delivering all federally-mandated programs for food inspection, plant and animal health, and consumer protection as it relates to food.

The CFIA relies on sound science as the basis of its program design and regulatory decision-making. The specific scientific activities include laboratory diagnostic tests, research, surveillance, and technology development. Our scientists also conduct risk assessments, analyze scientific data, and provide advice in order to identify and prepare for emerging issues. This expertise is an integral component of regulatory policy and standards development within Canada and internationally.

Safeguarding our food, animals, and plants is complex. CFIA employees work diligently to stay abreast of new technology, processes, and practices, both by being aware of what is happening in the international community, and by innovating new techniques at home.

CFIA scientists develop and maintain strong working relationships with universities, federal and provincial departments, and various agencies, nationally and internationally. These relationships help the CFIA to

• enrich science and innovation
• translate knowledge into useful applications
• develop regulations to protect Canadians.

This document highlights the CFIA's science activities and demonstrates the critical role that our science plays in protecting Canada's consumers and economy from emerging animal diseases, plant pests, and food safety issues. It also demonstrates the importance of collaborating with other science-based government departments and agencies, academia, and stakeholders. CFIA scientists understand that collaboration helps all partners to provide high-quality, effective, and efficient scientific advice and research products.

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