Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Meat Programs

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1.5. Monitoring of Meat Programs Service Delivery in Federally Registered Establishments

1.5.1 Quality Management System (QMS)

A quality guidance team represented by Meat Programs and Operations management, area Regional Directors and Quality Managers, develops implementation strategies, identifies specific annual work plans, monitors progress, and communicates within their respective work groups, by receiving and acting upon recommendations for improvement.

The Quality Management System (QMS) is designed to continuously improve the consistency and overall quality of activities delivered by CFIA Operations staff, by incorporating modern quality management principles and practices.

The QMS quality verification and improvement cycle for delivery of inspections, audits, certificates, etc. involves the following steps:

1. Preparation of Quality Verification Plans

   Every Supervisor and Regional Veterinary Officer prepares an annual quality verification plan using the QMS software. Plans are approved by the Inspection Managers and Regional Directors.

2. Conduct Quality Verifications

   Quality verifications, led by supervisors and regional program officers with inspectors' participation, are conducted to determine how well the inspection, audit, or certification process is working.

3. Analysis of Data

   Verification data is analysed on an ongoing basis (at least every quarter) to identify current quality levels and opportunities for improvement.

4. Improvement Plans

   Improvement plans are developed and implemented to address root causes for quality loss.

5. Quarterly Reports

   All Supervisors, Inspection Managers, Regional Directors and Area Executive Directors prepare quarterly reports to ensure the QMS continues to operate as designed.

1.5.2. Meat Programs Performance Measurement

The Government of Canada is committed to creating a performance-based regulatory system that will protect and advance the public interest in the areas of health, safety and security, the quality of the environment, and the social and economic well-being of Canadians.

The objectives of a Performance-Based Regulatory System are:

• protection of Canadians and their environment;
• regulation of the economy in the most efficient, timely and cost-effective manner;
• clear service standards that hold the Government to account for performance;
• monitoring and reporting on performance to provide pressure for continuing improvement; and
• ongoing assessment of and adjustment to regulatory approaches to allow for greater cooperation between regulators and orders of government.

Public service managers use "Results for Canadians: A Management Framework for the Government of Canada" to clearly define the results to be achieved and measure performance regularly and objectively, making adjustments to improve both efficiency and effectiveness.

Within the CFIA, a Performance Management Framework has been developed with performance indicators for Meat Programs prepared under the supervision of the National Specialist Performance Measurement Meat Programs Division in order to collect, analyse and report on a quarterly basis.

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