As required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act, I have assessed the fairness and reliability of the Agency’s performance information for 2008–09 with respect to the objectives established in its corporate business plan.
The performance information reported in the Agency’s performance report is the responsibility of management.
My responsibility is to assess the fairness and reliability of the performance information included in the Agency’s performance report against the objectives established in its corporate business plan.
My assessment covered only the specific performance information included in the section of its performance report titled “Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome”. My assessment did not include the objectives set out in the corporate business plan or information referenced by web links included in the report. My responsibility does not extend to assessing or commenting on the Agency’s actual performance.
My assessment consisted of a review performed in accordance with the standards for assurance engagements established by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. The assessment consisted primarily of enquiry, analytical procedures, and discussion related to the performance information. I conducted this assessment using the criteria for the assessment of fairness and reliability described in the Annex.
An assessment based on a review provides a moderate level of assurance and does not constitute an audit. Consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the Agency’s performance information.
Based on my assessment, nothing has come to my attention that causes me to believe that the Agency’s performance information for 2008–09, with respect to the objectives established in its corporate business plan, is not, in all significant respects, fair and reliable using the criteria described in the Annex to this report.
Sheila Fraser, FCA
Auditor General of Canada
Ottawa, Canada
21 August, 2009