Broaden the coverage of potentially unsafe food imports.

Modernize and streamline inspection systems.

The CFIA developed and initiated implementation of strategies for a food safety system for the Non-Federally Registered Sector including:

• Enhancing inspection manuals and training materials for inspectors;
• Developing revised food safety guidelines for industry for further consultation;
• Enhancing inspection and sampling frequencies in high risk areas;
• Completing preliminary work to facilitate the assessment, entry approval and inspection decisions related to imported fresh fruit and vegetables;
• Initiating better identification of importers and imported food products as well as domestic producers; and
• Finalizing border blitz guidelines in consultation with the CBSA, with the goal of increased interception of non-compliant products prior to distribution in Canada.

Enhance authority to require industry to implement food safety controls to prevent problems.

Create a specific prohibition against tampering with food.

Provide new authority to require adequate records be kept by those who handle food.

Work was undertaken in collaboration with HC to amend the Food and Drugs Act via Bill C-51. The Bill was deferred, pending further analysis/resolution of questions surrounding Natural Health Products.

Strengthen the Government’s authority to verify the safety of food at all points in the food continuum, including prior to importation into Canada.

Strengthen access to the information that is needed in order to effectively respond to identified problems.

The CFIA initiated preliminary work toward the development of business and systems models for the implementation of an importer licensing/registration system including:

• Working toward establishing better collaboration with key trading partners, including the European Union and Japan, through regular meetings and more frequent discussions; and
• Initiating a draft MoU with China outlining the means of collaboration to be followed when identifying and addressing food safety issues between Canada and China.

The CFIA completed policy and training materials.

Implementation was delayed pending a third-party review of data from pilot projects.

The CFIA, in collaboration with HC, provincial governments and national producer organizations, finalized the OFFS Recognition Program, Policy and Protocol documents. These documents provide the guidance necessary for industry’s OFFS programs to be recognized by government.

The CFIA also continued to work with other federal departments, such as HC, and the Provinces in the technical review of national producer organizations’ on-farm food safety programs.

The CFIA refined and communicated the process and criteria for activating Emergency Operations Centres and Emergency Response Teams.

The Agency also provided training in the Incident Command System for staff involved in food safety incidents.

The CFIA worked with various government partners, including HC, the PHAC, AAFC and the Canadian Partnership for Food Safety Education, in the development of a public awareness campaign implemented in cooperation with various Canadian grocery store chains, as well as other food safety information initiatives.

The CFIA and HC formed a working group to review the feedback received during the comment period for the proposed amendments to finalize the allergen regulations for publication by January 2010 and began development of its compliance and enforcement approach.

Train inspection and headquarters staff on the interpretation and enforcement of the regulations.

Develop and disseminate plain language and interpretive documents to help industry understand and comply with the regulations.

Several ongoing initiatives within the CFIA support early detection and response to animal disease threats. These include the Agency’s continued involvement and support of the CAHSN, a nation-wide surveillance network which focuses on early detection of animal disease threats that could have zoonotic potential, Animal Health Foresight, which will be applied to planning and priority setting for future capabilities required for animal health emergency management and the Agency’s partnerships with the PHAC in the implementation of collaborative projects to address zoonotic diseases.

In addition, through working with its partners, the Agency conducted regular scanning of the literature to identify, analyze and share information related to potential animal disease threats, threats to Canada's food supply, food safety and public health. Ten Science Scan reports were issued.

The CFIA’s Winnipeg laboratory has provided training and reagents to provincial partners on animal health diseases that are targeted for joint surveillance.

Several contribution agreements for upgrading provincial laboratory capabilities were completed.

A communications template was developed for use in the event of a serious disease finding in an external laboratory.

Collaborate with the PHAC, Public Safety Canada, Environment Canada, and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Focus on collaborative surveillance design for early detection of AI through migratory bird assessments and targeted sampling of domestic populations.

The CFIA developed research projects focusing on more rapid and accurate diagnostic tests and on vaccines for AI.

The CFIA contributed full-time secretarial support to assist the Pandemic Planning.

The Agency also continued its ongoing contribution to the analysis of issues and development of strategies with stakeholders to further develop Canada’s traceability system.

The CFIA trained individual veterinarians who may be called upon in the event of an international animal health incident.

A Recognition and Initial Response course was held from January 27 to February 5, 2009, attended by 30 participants.

The CFIA also developed an e-Learning module that includes Orientation to Outbreak Response for training of new CFIA hires and participants in the CVR.

The CFIA undertook the following actions:

• Continued discussions on the disposition of the previously purchased poultry vaccine which will reach its sustainable shelf life in 2009.
• Established a vaccine sharing agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the CFIA.
• Continued to maintain the antiviral stockpile.
• Response to outbreak situations (AI in British Columbia) provided an opportunity to test and refine protocols for the provision of antivirals to responders.

The CFIA undertook the following actions:

• Work continued in area and field offices to conduct training, identify additional responders and back-ups, track and monitor human resources and conduct simulation exercises.
• Continued to develop a human resources skills inventory database which will provide a centralized information source to identify appropriately trained individuals to respond in an emergency.
• Identified retired CFIA staff who could return to active duty during an emergency disease outbreak as required.

The CFIA undertook the following actions:

• Established an information sharing link between the CAHSN and the U.S. Animal Health Laboratory Network with the goal of a future direct electronic link between the two networks.
• Progress has been made to enable laboratory data transmission from the U.S. Animal Health Laboratory Network and the CFIA’s laboratories to the CAHSN data system.
• Enhanced enforcement capacity related to monitoring AI disease symptoms in abattoirs, investigating animal health non-compliance incidents that may increase the risk of AI and reviewing import documents.
• Offered CFIA veterinarian expertise to the CBSA for screening procedures at ports of entry.

The CFIA undertook the following actions:

• Continued the development of detailed emergency response procedures for CFIA field staff to respond to AI emergencies.
• Contributed to the design of and participated in a Public Safety Canada-led exercise of the North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza. This exercise was held jointly with Mexican and U.S. officials.
• Completed avian humane destruction, disposal and cleaning/disinfection procedures, as well as detailed procedures for use during an outbreak of AI.
• Continued the development of the CFIA’s emergency management response system database including expanded capability and capacity to deal with high volume of samples collected during outbreaks.

The CFIA undertook the following actions:

• Continued three research projects on rapid detection, control and risk assessment strategies for AI.
• Developed reagents for rapid tests and for the evaluation of potential new vaccine strains.
• Participated in and completed a collaborative project with AAFC, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD), and Iowa State University to study the disposal of large ruminant carcasses via composting in a disease outbreak.

The CFIA undertook the following actions:

• Produced a 2009 calendar with monthly tips on biosecurity and disease prevention for small flock owners.
• In cooperation with the provinces, held information sessions in Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island for small flock owners on how to protect the health of their birds.
• Conducted public opinion research on AI biosecurity awareness among targeted groups.
• Continued the travelers’ biosecurity outreach campaign using airport posters, web-site and brochures in more than 20 languages.
• Participated in the North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza communications working group as well as the inter-disciplinary table-top exercise.
• Developed communications planning around business continuity and tested these plans through a formal exercise.

The CFIA undertook the following actions:

• Carried out national wild bird surveillance of both dead and live birds in cooperation with provincial and territorial governments, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Environment Canada and the Government of Iceland. The monitoring of these wild birds allows for the characterization of AI strains in circulation and provides an early warning of potential incursions of Asian H5N1 into Canada.
• Deployed CFIA staff to the OIE Central Bureau and Buenos Aires Regional Office to support, develop and promote the use of science-based standards, risk assessment, capacity building and training.
• Supported capacity development and infrastructure in developing countries through the Canadian Chapter of Veterinarians without Borders and the CVR.
• Leveraged resources to international standard setting bodies through support of international vaccine banks and laboratory twinning for capacity building and training.

The CFIA completed bilateral work with the USDA to develop harmonized standards where appropriate.

The Agency also undertook joint program delivery initiatives off-shore including the Dutch bulb program and a collaborative audit/system review of the AGM program in Asia.

The CFIA developed Interdepartmental working groups and action plans (e.g. for terrestrial plants and plant pests).

The Agency presented the NPBS to the F/P/T Regulatory ADM Committee and continues to work with its partners to more effectively deliver programs which protect the plant resource base.

Reducing the wait time in providing compensation to producers in cases where plant quarantine actions are taken for a specified pest.

Clarify the circumstances under which compensation is granted.

The Agency improved communication activities through the implementation of the Bioportal. In addition, the CFIA conducted a total of 77 risk assessments for plants, insects and diseases and provided scientific and technical advice to programs on many issues.

As well, the CFIA provided leadership and contributions to PRA and Invasive Alien Species (IAS) panels of the North American Plant Protection Organization to meet panel charges.

Challenges posed by new crops for new uses have been addressed through the development of new risk assessment tools validated through expert consultations. These tools, such as the Canadian Adapted Weed Risk Assessment Tool, have led to timely and accurate border screening of new plants intended for cultivation, resulting in better and more effective service for clients. Biodiversity protection has also been enhanced through the implementation of the CVS for feed, rendering, humane transportation and animal identification.

Thorough assessment of these agricultural products is an ongoing core activity of the CFIA and is a continually supported function within the organization.

The science challenges posed by new crops for new uses have been addressed through the development of new risk assessment tools validated through expert consultations. These tools, such as the Canadian Adapted Weed Risk Assessment Tool, have led to timely and accurate border screening of new plants intended for cultivation, resulting in better and more effective service for clients.

Thorough assessment of these novel agricultural products is an ongoing core activity of the CFIA, and is a continually supported function within the organization.

The CFIA participated in GoC meetings on biotechnology such as the Novel Substances Notification Review.

The Agency also ensured the perspective of the CFIA was incorporated and represented in the overall GoC discussions on the regulation of products of biotechnology.

The CFIA drafted regulations and supporting documentation.

The CFIA continued to engage in ongoing discussions with Federal-Provincial partners regarding the delivery of the IAS Strategy.

The Agency also engaged the F/P/T Regulatory ADM Committee in discussions regarding the NPBS.

Strengthen and streamline the Canadian seed and fertilizer regulatory framework to support enhanced regulatory compliance.

Work continued on the long-term modernization process for the Seed and Fertilizer programs.

The CFIA also undertook stakeholder consultations and completed regulatory amendment packages.

The CFIA supported the Committee of Federal Regulators and was actively involved in performance measurement task teams and action learning groups.

The CFIA completed a Regulatory Guide and posted it on the Agency’s external website for discussion and information purposes. Presentations to staff were organized to increase awareness of changes.

The CFIA reduced the number of forms, amended regulations requirements and removed redundant or obsolete requirements to simplify the language. The Agency achieved its target of a 20 per cent reduction in administrative burden imposed on business. This success represents over 250 projects taken from across the Agency’s mandate with a view to streamlining and simplifying administrative requirements.

For example, the Agency reduced the number of horse import regulations from 25 to one.

The CFIA completed a draft workplan for the Single Window Initiative (SWI), which endeavours to implement a streamlined approach for the electronic collection, use and dissemination of commercial trade data.

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance posted the list of 134 Canadian establishments approved to export fish products to the Russian Federation.

Continued on-going preparation of positions for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) codes, the IPPC and the WTO in consultation with national partners and stakeholders.

CFIA representatives attended the 2008 OIE Annual General Assembly and the 29th World Veterinary Congress in Vancouver.

The Agency participated in consistent bilateral discussions and negotiations with international communities focused on:

• Trades related to sanitary standards established by the OIE.
• Disease control sanitary issues and standards relating to risk analysis in animal and animal products.
• An urgent need to harmonize and improve veterinary curricula worldwide.

The CFIA continued to monitor the development of SPS measures and WTO and North American Free Trade Agreement notifications to identify potential issues that may impact export of agricultural products.

The Agency also increased awareness of international rights, obligations and standards in the development of domestic policies and regulations.

The CFIA continued to promote compliance for area inspectors through the verification of facts associated with all complaints received from consumers, trade or government agencies. This included receiving the complaint, conducting verifications, preparing reports, follow-up action, providing feedback to complainants (where appropriate) and any referral action required.

The CFIA investigated 283 instances of non-compliance to the Canada Agricultural Products Act, the Fish Inspection Act, the Food and Drugs Act, and the Meat Inspection Act. Combined with investigations carried over from previous reporting periods, these investigations resulted in 30 convictions and $138,500 in fines.

The CFIA's work to address product misrepresentation issues focussed on "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" claims on foods. Public consultations held on the Canadian Food Labelling Initiative resulted in revisions to the guidelines to assist consumers in making purchasing decisions. A discussion paper, the "Canadian Food Labelling Initiative" was published in May 2008.

New Product of Canada / Made in Canada guidelines came into effect. Implementation included:

• Training sessions to inspection staff in December and January to assist them in gaining compliance from industry.
• Compliance and enforcement options drafted and provided to CFIA inspection staff during training sessions.
• Communications with national associations were increased.
• A dedicated phone line and email address to provide direct responses to inquiries and educate consumers who requested more information.

The Agency continued to promote compliance with area inspectors by verifying the facts associated with all complaints received from consumers, trade or government agencies. This included receiving the complaint, conducting verifications, preparing reports, follow-up action, providing feedback to complainants (where appropriate) and any referral action required.

The CFIA undertakes products assessments and conducts inspections and market place monitoring relating to product quality and/or efficacy as an element of its ongoing core business.

Amend policies to provide clear directives to importers in meeting all regulatory requirements.

The CFIA completed the Fish Import Strengthening initiative and improved transparency regarding the fish import regulatory requirements, the CFIA’s role, importer responsibilities and the product inspection process.

Work was undertaken in collaboration with HC to amend the Food and Drugs Act via Bill C-51. The Bill was deferred, pending further analysis/resolution of questions surrounding Natural Health Products.

The Agency focused efforts on improving training material for inspectors and bolstering the knowledge of program and policy developers. The material includes an explanation of the legislative process, the CFIA legislative base and the role of CFIA divisions that intersect throughout the legislative process.

Additional efforts included the training of 27 trainers on allergens, who then began training inspectors to enhance inspection capabilities. The Agency also finalized the Food Allergy Reference and Training Manual, which includes information on allergen legislation and food safety control system assessment procedures.

The CFIA continued to develop e-cert systems to better facilitate and monitor trade of meat, plant and animal health products. Two national workshops were held to examine and refine the requirements necessary to build the plant and animal health e-cert systems. A trial exercise of the "Read Importing Country Requirements module" of the meat e-cert system was conducted in registered establishments. Key benefits of the systems when fully deployed include increased efficiencies in the certification process, reduced paper burden for industry and government and reduced potential for fraudulent documentation.

With the implementation of mandatory EDI through the CBSA in 2006-07, the CFIA continued to streamline import requirements to accommodate the electronic submission of supporting import documentation and certificates.

The implementation of an integrated and comprehensive information system has been deferred for 2008-09. Work continued to enhance current corporate applications, such as the Multi-Commodity Activities Program, to better reflect stakeholder and inspector needs. The CFIA began exploring the applicability of the new Conformity Verification System to the DIS model.

The CFIA continued to work with national and international partners to enhance information exchange mechanisms to improve the safety of imported products. Through the FCSAP, the Agency is focusing its efforts on enhancing regulatory compliance related to the safety of domestic and imported food. In addition, the Agency has initiated the PHCTSP, which specifically targets the Agency’s information requirements pertaining to imports.