This page has been archived.
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
Section II provides more detailed information about the Agency's Program Activities and Sub-Activities. This information is organized according to Strategic Outcome. For each Strategic Outcome, this RPP includes details on what the Agency is doing and plans to do to meet its priorities and move toward achieving its Strategic Outcomes and, ultimately, fulfilling its mandate.
This Section presents the Agency's ongoing work — such as inspection, monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities — and a number of special initiatives. Special initiatives will generally be completed within one to three years. Progress will be reported in the 2006-07 Departmental Performance Report.
The following Exhibit provides a "roadmap" to Section II and reflects the CFIA's Program Activity Architecture (PAA). The PAA defines the relationship between the CFIA's Strategic Outcomes and the Program Activities and Sub-activities that flow from them. Performance targets for most expected results have been established. These targets are based on historical averages of actual performance, or expected results of effective programming (e.g. compliance rate for industry conformity to regulatory standards, control of entry and spread of animal and plant diseases). Development and refinement of performance indicators and targets will continue in 2006-2007.
This is the first CFIA RPP which includes specific performance indicators and targets. These targets establish performance measures and should be viewed as evolutionary as they will continue to be refined and developed in future years.
Measures of performance such as compliance rates, are a measure of industry conformity to standards and regulations as well as an indicator of the extent to which CFIA's inspection activities have contributed to improving industry compliance with acts and regulations. Targets are based on the best available information including historical averages of actual sector or Agency performance, or expected results of effective programming (e.g. compliance rates for industry conformity to regulatory standards or control of entry and spread of animal diseases). The CFIA's response to non-conformity is based on scientifically established risk based strategies. This risk management model focuses compliance and enforcement priorities on areas of high risk and low compliance. This means that the Agency focuses enforcement actions on compliance with regulations that have the most direct or significant impact on the health and safety of Canadians and on animal and plant health.
RPP Section |
Our Strategic Outcomes | Program Activities | Sub-Activities |
2.1 | Protection from preventable health risks related to food safety or the transmission of animal diseases to humans | Food Safety and Public Health | 2.1a Managing food safety risks 2.1b Controlling the transmission of animal diseases to humans 2.1c Regulatory research — Food safety, nutrition and public health |
2.2 | Protection of consumers through a fair and effective food, animal and plant regulatory regime that supports competitive domestic and international markets | Science and Regulation | 2.2a Promoting science-based regulation 2.2b Maintaining an effective regulatory framework 2.2c Protecting consumers and the marketplace from unfair practices 2.2d Certifying exports 2.2e Regulatory research — Exports and unfair practices |
2.3 | A sustainable plant and animal resource base | Animal and Plant Resource Protection | 2.3a Protecting Canada's crops and forests 2.3b Protecting Canada's livestock and aquatic animals 2.3c Assessing agricultural products 2.3d Regulatory research — Animal and plant resource protection |
2.4 | Security from deliberate threats to Canada's food supply and agricultural resource base | Public Security | 2.4a Preparing for emergencies 2.4b Enhancing capacity to respond to emergencies 2.4c Regulatory research — Public security |
2.5 | Providing sound Agency management | Governance and Management | 2.5a Risk management, accountability and governance and strategic directions and results
and performance 2.5b People, values and learning 2.5c Policy, programs and citizen-focussed service 2.5d Stewardship |
The Results Map shown below displays the expected results associated with each of our five Program Activities.
Program Activity | Expected Results |
Food Safety and Public Health | • Food leaving federally registered establishments for inter-provincial and export trade
or being imported into Canada is safe and wholesome.
|
Science and Regulation | • The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of international rules,
standards and agreements through international negotiations.
|
Animal and Plant Resource Protection | • Entry and domestic spread of regulated plant diseases and pests are controlled.
|
Public Security | • The Agency is in a state of readiness for an effective rapid response to emergencies.
|
Governance and Management |
|
"A healthy population is fundamental in securing Canada's social foundations. Responsibility for public health is shared among federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal governments and an effective health care system requires the collaboration of multiple sectors, such as health, agriculture and environment, and the active participation of individuals, community groups, non-governmental organizations, business and public sector agencies."4
Protecting human health is the highest priority for the CFIA. As a key contributor to the Government's integrated approach to population health, the Agency, in partnership with others, protects Canadians from preventable health risks related to unsafe food, such as pathogens and undeclared allergens, as well as the risks posed by animal diseases that are transmissible to humans, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and avian influenza (AI). Additionally, the Agency contributes to population health by ensuring that consumers have appropriate information on which to make safe and healthy food choices.
STRATEGIC OUTCOME | |||
2.1 Protection from preventable health risks related to food safety or the transmission of animal diseases to humans | |||
PROGRAM ACTIVITY & DESCRIPTION | |||
Food Safety and Public Health The CFIA, along with many federal, provincial and municipal organizations, is working to improve the overall health of Canadians. The CFIA's primary contribution to this effort is in helping to ensure that food is safe, consumers have appropriate information on which to base healthy food choices, and the transmission of animal diseases to humans is prevented. |
|||
PROGRAM SUB-ACTIVITIES | |||
2.1a Managing food safety risks 2.1b Controlling the transmission of animal diseases to humans 2.1c Regulatory research — Food safety, nutrition and public health |
|||
EXPECTED RESULTS | |||
• Food leaving federally registered establishments for inter-provincial and
export trade or being imported into Canada is safe and wholesome. • Food leaving non-federally registered establishments is safe and wholesome. • Food safety recalls and incidents are contained in a timely and appropriate manner. • Animal diseases that are transmissible to humans are effectively controlled within animal populations. • Decision making related to food safety, nutrition and public health is supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research. |
|||
RESOURCE ALLOCATION | |||
Planned Spending | |||
2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | |
Net Planned Spending ($ millions) | 353.5 | 310.0 | 281.4 |
Full Time Equivalents | 3,708 | 3,400 | 3,209 |
4 Canada's Performance 2005, p.29
Risks to food safety are diverse and complex. Significant hazards that can affect human health may be introduced at any point along the food continuum — from production to processing, to transportation and the practices that consumers follow in handling and preparing food.
The safety of Canada's food supply begins on the farm. Producing safe agricultural products and protecting them from on-farm hazards is the primary focus of industry-developed on-farm food safety (OFFS) programs. The CFIA is working with the provinces and territories on the OFFS Recognition Program, which formally recognizes national producer food safety programs.
The CFIA has adopted a science-based risk management approach to establishing policy, setting food-safety priorities, and identifying the most appropriate ways to manage food-related risk. Using this approach as its foundation, the CFIA's inspection and testing programs are planned to take the degree of risk associated with a particular sector into account and to concentrate resources where risk is greatest.
On an ongoing basis, the Agency carries out inspections to verify that regulated food manufacturers, importers and distributors comply with all relevant legislation and regulations. The CFIA promotes compliance through education, inspection and responsible enforcement. When compliance is not achieved, the Agency has at its disposal a number of enforcement options including product detentions and seizures, fines, prosecution and suspension and/or cancellation of registrations.
KEY ELEMENTS OF MANAGING FOOD-SAFETY RISKS
|
The Agency develops and implements programs and services to ensure that food-safety emergencies are effectively managed. Food recall, an important component of the CFIA's food emergency response, is aimed at removing from sale and distribution foods that may pose an unacceptable health risk to consumers.5
The Agency, through its communication and outreach programs, works with its partners to assist in the promotion of healthy living by increasing consumer awareness of safe food handling practices, food safety risks, and nutrition. The Agency recognizes that more and more consumers are using food labelling as a source of information when making healthy food choices. The CFIA will continue to work with Health Canada on developing policies and regulations governing nutritional and other claims on labels.
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are the CFIA's key federal partners in managing food safety risks. Health Canada is responsible for food safety policy and standards. The Public Health Agency of Canada is the focal point for federal leadership and accountability in managing public health emergencies. The CFIA also works closely with provincial, territorial, municipal and Aboriginal governments, and industry and consumer groups to manage food safety risks.
5 For more information on the CFIA Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/recaltoce.shtml
Table 2.1a Expected results and related indicators for managing food safety risks | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Results | Indicators | Performance Targets6 |
Food leaving federally registered establishments for inter-provincial and export trade or being imported into Canada is safe and wholesome. | Extent to which federally-registered establishments inspected comply with federal food safety requirements. | ≥98% compliance |
Extent to which domestic food products comply with each test criteria for federal chemical residue requirements. | ≥95% compliance | |
Food safety recalls and incidents are contained in a timely and appropriate manner. | Time taken to issue Class I recall public warnings. | 100% are issued within 24 hours of a recall decision. |
Food leaving non-federally registered establishments is safe and wholesome. | Extent to which projects are developed to address major health risks identified through the science committees | Projects are developed to address ≥90% identified major health risks |
Compliance targets for specific commodities (meat, fish, dairy, eggs etc.) can be found on the CFIA Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca |
6 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and
the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the
Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote
improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of
non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
Recent crises have brought to the forefront the relationship between animal and human health (e.g. BSE, avian influenza). Trends in animal disease appear to indicate that new diseases are emerging and more virulent forms of existing diseases, such as tuberculosis, are on the increase. Biosecurity at the farm level has gained the attention of regulators based on increasing evidence of the link between intensive animal production practices and zoonotic disease, and the potential to minimize the economic consequences of disease detections.
The CFIA's programs are designed and re-designed to address the threat of transboundary animal diseases such as avian influenza and BSE. These programs focus on early detection, rapid response and strong domestic and international coordination. CFIA inspectors, animal health experts and industry stakeholders form the first line of defence in addressing zoonotic diseases.
The CFIA undertakes activities designed to detect and control reportable animal diseases, including responding to emergencies and outbreaks, by using proven science-based processes and enforcing applicable legislation and regulations. When a reportable disease is confirmed the Agency minimizes the spread of infection by implementing disease specific biosecurity measures, including quarantine and movement controls. When eradication activities are necessary, the CFIA ensures humane destruction and appropriate disposal of affected animals, thereby ensuring that other susceptible livestock are not exposed to potential sources of infection. The Agency also addresses the potential for disease-causing agents to remain on infected farms by directing proper sanitation of contaminated premises and disposal of contaminated materials. Working with industry and other partners on policies and practices to enhance biosecurity on farm, the CFIA encourages a comprehensive approach to managing both zoonotic and non-zoonotic reportable diseases.
Surveillance programs are risk-based in their design. By focussing on those animal populations at greatest risk of being affected by a particular disease, Canada's surveillance programs provide an opportunity for early detection of emerging diseases and early recognition of changes in the status of a particular disease (e.g. BSE and avian influenza). CFIA laboratories play an integral part in providing diagnostic services and research support of surveillance activities.
KEY ELEMENTS OF CONTROLLING THE TRANSMISSION OF ANIMAL DISEASES TO HUMANS
|
ENHANCED BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE) PROGRAMMING In May 2003, the first case of BSE was confirmed in an animal born and raised in Canada, an event which necessitated enhancements and revisions to the existing BSE program elements in order to meet domestic and international expectations, as outlined below. Since May 2003, there have been six additional cases of BSE confirmed in animals born and raised in Canada. BSE surveillance testing — The surveillance program has been enhanced in order to more accurately estimate the level of BSE in Canada. The program targets high risk categories of mature cattle, those most likely to be affected with the disease, for testing. The CFIA has established a minimum of 30,000 samples per year and in 2005 evaluated over 57,700 samples. There are no plans to reduce the number of annual evaluations at this time. Removal of specified risk material (SRM) from food for human consumption — The removal of SRM from the human food supply is recognized internationally as the most effective food safety measure protecting human health from exposure to the agent of BSE. The CFIA verifies the removal of SRM from cattle slaughtered for human consumption in all federally registered establishments. Through the integrated implementation of federal and provincial/territorial meat inspection systems, an equivalent level of protection with respect to cattle slaughtered in facilities that are not federally registered is also achieved. Addressing risk in animal feed — In August 1997, the CFIA implemented a ruminant feeding ban as a proactive measure to reduce the potential for BSE to spread within Canada were it to be introduced. Subsequent to the confirmation of BSE in May 2003, the CFIA allocated additional resources to the inspection of facilities within the animal feed continuum, to verify compliance with existing regulations. In December, 2004, in Canada Gazette Part I, the CFIA proposed draft regulatory amendments to enhance the feed ban prohibiting SRM in any animal feed, including pet food. The CFIA anticipates finalizing these regulatory amendments this year. Enhanced export certification — As the scope and breadth of international market access expands, it places increasing demands on all aspects of Canada's export certification program, including upon those who act on behalf of the CFIA to ensure that the export requirements of individual trading partners are consistently met. In support of expanding market access, the CFIA is establishing a corps of veterinary officers to provide ongoing technical support to Canada's key missions abroad. New BSE import policy — In December 2005, Canada adopted a revised BSE import policy for cattle and bison, and their products. The CFIA is currently developing administrative procedures and regulatory amendments necessary for full implementation. The new BSE import policy emphasizes both animal and public health protection by reflecting current scientific understanding and international standards for BSE. Enhanced tracking and tracing — The CFIA continues to provide program oversight and compliance verification of the regulatory requirements of the national cattle identification program. The program infrastructure was expanded in 2005 to capture and report date of birth information against individual animal identifiers, a capacity that will be increasingly reflected in third country export certification requirements. Research — The 2004 Federal Budget identified $5 million per year starting in 2005-06 to build a network of centres of excellence (NCE) to address research issues in BSE and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) such as chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids such as elk and muledeer; and scrapie a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. PrioNet Canada has been established and is developing an infrastructure for dealing with BSE and other TSEs. The strategic research plan for PrioNet will be organized into five disease themes that are very much in line with principle objectives of the CFIA-TSE Research Strategy for 2005-12. Additionally, under the two themes of BSE and CWD/Scrapie, scientists from CFIA have been included as principle investigators/collaborators. For more information on BSE, please visit the CFIA's Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca |
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CFIA'S AVIAN INFLUENZA REVIEW Since the 2004 avian influenza outbreak in British Columbia, three reviews have been conducted. These include an internal review by CFIA, followed by a joint industry/government task force building on the recommendations of the internal review. The third review was conducted by the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The CFIA is continuing to implement a number of the recommendations emerging from these reviews including:
For more information on avian influenza, please visit the CFIA's Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca |
Table 2.1b Expected results and related indicators for controlling the transmission of animal diseases to humans | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Results | Indicators | Performance Targets7 |
Animal diseases that are transmissible to humans are controlled within animal populations* | BSE sample collection | In full accordance with the guidelines recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) |
# of BSE disease incidents | No known cases of BSE that fall outside accepted parameters. | |
Extent to which products of federally-registered plants comply with SRM removal-related laws and regulations. | 97% compliance8 | |
Extent to which cattle tagging is compliant with the regulations for animal identification. | ≥97% compliance |
*See Section 2.3b for additional indicators for control and eradication of known animal diseases
7 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
8 The performance target for SRM removal is based on a two year average compliance rate for federally registered plants for three key tasks related to SRM removal. Of 12,406 rating of the tasks, 350 incidents of non-compliance were identified — 248 of which were considered to be minor infractions. The major infractions were corrected immediately on-site.
Public awareness of food safety and nutrition continue to increase along with the advancement of science globally. This trend has led to increased public focus on the safety and nutritional value of food. The scientific capacity to respond to new and emerging food safety and nutritional concerns is an important component of the Agency's inspection programs. Timely and defensible laboratory test results which will withstand legal and international scrutiny are key elements in the enforcement of food safety and nutrition compliance.
Zoonotic diseases also have the potential to threaten public health. Some zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, rabies, and bovine tuberculosis occur at a low level in Canada, especially in wildlife. Other zoonotic diseases such BSE and avian influenza have emerged in recent years to threaten Canada's agricultural economy, human and animal health and trade. Research to improve testing methodology contributes to reliable and accurate testing and facilitates disease control and early intervention should the disease appear in animals.
Basic research provides an increased understanding of the biology of these diseases, where they originate, and how they are transmitted. This information is critical to the development of effective response and control programs. More information on regulatory research related to zoonotic diseases can be found in Section 2.3d.
Participating in collaborative research serves to enhance CFIA's research output. The CFIA participates in collaborative research thus benefiting from knowledge transfer and accessing expertise from other research institutions such as the Public Health Agency of Canada.
KEY ELEMENT OF REGULATORY RESEARCH — FOOD SAFETY, NUTRITION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
|
Table 2.1c Expected result and related indicators for regulatory research — food safety, nutrition and public health | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets |
Decision making related to food safety, nutrition and public health is supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research. | Indicators are currently under development. | TBD |
A fair and secure marketplace is one which is able to "maintain and enhance consumer confidence and give businesses the best environment possible for competitiveness."9 The CFIA is committed to ensuring that its legislative and regulatory base related to its mandate not only protects consumers' and producers' rights and the natural environment, but also responds to the pace of change in science, technology and the global market. The Agency promotes strong, coherent and science-based regulation, both domestically and internationally. Strong export certification programs for food, animals and plants maintains and enhances consumer confidence abroad, which contributes directly to economic growth in Canada. The Agency is also committed to actively protecting consumers and the marketplace from unfair practices, such as inaccurate food labelling and misrepresentation of products, and conducts research that will enhance the CFIA's capacity to address these issues.
STRATEGIC OUTCOME | |||
2.2 Protection of consumers through a fair and effective food, animal and plant regulatory regime that supports competitive domestic and international markets | |||
PROGRAM ACTIVITY & DESCRIPTION | |||
Science and Regulation Providing a fair and effective regulatory regime for food, animals and plants that protects consumers and supports competitive domestic and international markets. Maintaining the integrity of CFIA's regulatory policy, inspection and certification activities. |
|||
PROGRAM SUB-ACTIVITIES | |||
2.2a Promoting science-based regulation 2.2b Maintaining an effective regulatory framework 2.2c Protecting consumers and the marketplace from unfair practices 2.2d Certifying exports 2.2e Regulatory Research- Exports and unfair practices |
|||
EXPECTED RESULTS | |||
• The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of
international rules, standards and agreements through international negotiations.
|
|||
RESOURCE ALLOCATION | |||
Planned Spending | |||
2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | |
Net Planned Spending ($ millions) | 119.6 | 115.8 | 115.9 |
Full Time Equivalents | 1,350 | 1,317 | 1,317 |
9 Canada's Performance 2005, p. 20
A strong, coherent and science-based health and safety regulatory framework will help ensure that Canadian consumers enjoy a wide variety of safe, high-quality products; that the environment is protected; and that market access is science-based.
As the largest science-based regulatory agency in Canada, the CFIA promotes the development and implementation of both domestic and international science-based regulation related to its mandate and statutory responsibilities. It provides scientific information to other federal partners with unique and complementary roles and responsibilities, such as Health Canada, which sets food safety standards. The Agency also works closely with other science-based departments and agencies to advance integration on initiatives that touch multiple government mandates, such as addressing issues related to zoonotic diseases and public security.
International rules and standards form the basis for regulating imports and exports of products that could pose a risk to food safety, animals and plants. The CFIA promotes the Canadian experience and objectives in the development of international agreements, arrangements and standards. At the same time, it ensures that international agreements, arrangements and standards are reflected in standards here in Canada.
The Agency leads Canada's participation in a number of international regulatory fora such as the International Plant Protection Convention and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE); it co-leads, with Health Canada, the government's participation in the Codex Alimentarius Commission; and it actively participates in a variety of other international fora dealing with regulatory issues. The CFIA also leads Canadian participation in the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and coordinates its domestic implementation with provincial and regional bodies.
KEY ELEMENTS OF PROMOTING SCIENCE-BASED REGULATION
|
Table 2.2a Expected results and related indicators for promoting science-based regulation | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Results | Indicators | Performance Targets |
The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of international rules, standards and agreements and arrangements through international negotiations. | Extent to which the international regulatory framework reflects Agency and stakeholders' priorities and needs. | TBD |
The Agency applies sound and current science to the development of national standards, operational methods and procedures. | Extent to which the Agency's standards, operational methods and procedures reflect sound and current science. | TBD |
The Government of Canada is committed to the continuous improvement of the federal regulatory system -making it more transparent, accountable and adaptable to new technologies and changing public priorities.
The CFIA legislation is reviewed on an ongoing basis to verify that it is current, relevant and consistent with the Government of Canada's Federal Regulatory Policy. This policy sets out rigorous and detailed processes to ensure regulation reflects the needs of Canadians.
The complex jurisdictional context within which the Agency operates involves federal, provincial, territorial and in some cases municipal authorities. Coordination and collaboration between various levels of government are needed for Canada's food inspection system to function harmoniously. Under the authority of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act, the Agency enters into bilateral and multilateral agreements with others. For example, agreements are in place with provincial governments for the purpose of providing services such as dairy and meat inspection, emergency preparedness and food recalls.
In addition, the CFIA works closely with other jurisdictions through its participation on federal, provincial, and territorial (F/P/T) committees. For example, the newly established F/P/T Regulatory Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee, co-chaired by the CFIA, is providing strategic advice to federal, provincial and territorial governments in order to facilitate the development and implementation of coordinated F/P/T regulatory and program initiatives.
The financial and time costs of addressing disputes between the CFIA and regulated parties, or those with whom the Agency has contractual obligations, continue to rise. The Treasury Board Secretariat and the Auditor General have encouraged the CFIA to incorporate a dispute resolution approach as an integral part of the Agency's current and future obligations. In the twelve-month period between October 2004 and September 2005, savings of $1.7 million have been realized due to the CFIA's efforts with regard to dispute resolution. These efforts will continue.
KEY ELEMENTS OF MAINTAINING AN EFFECTIVE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
|
Table 2.2b Expected result and related indicators for maintaining an effective regulatory framework | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets |
Transparent, rules-based and science-based domestic regulatory framework is maintained. | Extent to which the CFIA's mandate and activities are supported by legislation and regulations that reflect priorities and requirements of the Agency and its stakeholders. | TBD |
CFIA AND THE SECURITY AND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH AMERICA The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) is a formal mechanism that was announced by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico on March 23, 2005 to implement a comprehensive set of initiatives over five years to increase the security, prosperity and quality of life of the citizens of North America. The establishment of the SPP reiterates Canada's commitment to confront security and economic challenges through the delivery and implementation of trilaterally agreed workplans. In Canada, the SPP is being coordinated by the Privy Council Office. The CFIA and Health Canada (HC) co-lead Canada's participation in those SPP activities that impact on bio-protection, food and agricultural regulation. The CFIA and HC have negotiated a work plan on food and agriculture regulatory system initiatives under the Prosperity agenda of the SPP with their counterparts in the United States and Mexico. In addition to more effective regulation, these initiatives will serve to reduce any unnecessary impediments to trade with North America. A key priority for Canada and the CFIA under the prosperity agenda is the establishment of a North American food safety coordinating mechanism to assess food safety standards and remove differences where feasible. The prosperity work plan also includes a variety of CFIA led initiatives, including:
The bio-protection agenda under the SPP was negotiated as an enhancement of the close bio-security regulatory cooperation which exists between Canada and the US. The objective of the bio-protection SPP component is to develop and implement a North American bio-protection strategy to assess, mitigate and respond to intentional threats to public health and the food and agriculture system. Some of the key bio-protection initiatives led by the CFIA include: working with our US/Mexico counterparts to share threat and vulnerability assessment information and developing a coordinated approach to identify and manage threats to animals, plants and humans; developing integrated emergency plans and undertaking joint emergency response drills; expanding the animal vaccine bank to respond to more animal health diseases; and jointly responding to and cooperating on enforcement actions. |
The Government of Canada is committed to "addressing fraudulent, unfair and deceptive behaviour in the marketplace."10 The CFIA incorporates activities designed to deter deceptive and unfair market practices in many of its programs. The compliance and enforcement of food labelling, verification of compliance with the Seeds Act, granting plant breeders' rights, and administering licensing and arbitration for fresh fruit and vegetables have particularly strong linkages to this outcome.
The CFIA enforces the labelling provisions of the Food and Drug Regulations and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations for both domestic and imported food products at the manufacturing import and retail levels of trade. Compliance and enforcement actions are based on a risk management model which prioritizes activities in areas of high risk and low compliance. High risk products and establishments are subject to targeted inspections, analysis of food products and checks for the accuracy of labels. Targeted projects are carried out in sectors with high risk of non-compliance. In addition, the Agency works to improve compliance by developing programs, communicating with industry and taking appropriate enforcement action.
The Seeds Act provides the CFIA with the regulatory authority to monitor imported and domestic seed, certify seed exports, and register seed varieties and seed establishments. The high quality of Canadian pedigreed seed is dependent on the maintenance of systems to manage seed quality in Canada. The CFIA works with the Canadian Seed Institute and the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) to verify that Canadian seeds meet high standards. The Agency operates two seed laboratories and participates in a program for accreditation of private seed labs; conducts marketplace surveillance, targeting high risk establishments; and inspects seed crops for the CSGA. In addition to carrying out audit and verification activities, the CFIA responds to incidents of non-compliance by issuing education/ warning letters, detaining product or refusing entry of product into Canada.
The Plant Breeders' Rights Act (1990) and its regulations provide legal protection to plant breeders for their rights to new plant varieties for up to eighteen years. The intent of the legislation is to stimulate plant breeding in Canada, to provide Canadian producers better access to foreign varieties, and to facilitate the protection of Canadian varieties in other countries. The CFIA's Plant Breeders' Rights Office (PBRO) administers the legislation with the support of an Advisory committee.
The CFIA functions to secure the rights of plant breeders by granting protection for their new varieties. The CFIA examines applications to determine whether applicants are entitled to receive a grant of rights. It also publishes and distributes plant breeders' rights information via the Plant Varieties Journal and assists the public in obtaining documentation pertaining to a right that has been published.
Promoting fair trading practices for dealers of fresh fruit and vegetables is integral to providing the best environment possible for competitiveness. The CFIA licences dealers of fresh fruits and vegetables who market their produce inter-provincially and internationally, and responds to requests from industry to inspect at destination loads of imported fresh fruit and vegetables which in the majority of requests have been received in damaged or deteriorated condition. The results of these inspections are used to resolve disputes without having to seek recourse through arbitration.
KEY ELEMENTS OF PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND THE MARKETPLACE FROM UNFAIR PRACTICES
|
Table 2.2c Expected result and related indicators for protecting consumers and the marketplace from unfair practices | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets11 |
Deceptive and unfair market practices are deterred. | Extent to which seed establishments and private labs inspected comply with federal requirements. | ≥95% compliance |
Extent to which non-pedigreed seed tests comply with CFIA quality standards. | ≥85% compliance | |
Extent to which pedigreed seed tests comply with CFIA quality standards. | ≥95% compliance | |
Extent to which seed tests comply with CFIA varietal purity. | ≥99% compliance |
10 Canada's Performance 2005, p. 21.
11 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and
the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the
Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote
improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of
non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
The agriculture and agri-food sector is highly export oriented, contributing $5 to $7 billion to Canada's trade balance annually and accounting for 10% of the total Canadian trade surplus in 2000.12 The approximate value of exported food, plant and animal products regulated by the CFIA has increased from $38.4 billion in 1997 to $40.2 billion in 2004. These products go to over 140 countries.
The certification process plays an important role in Canada's international trade and helps to protect the excellent international reputation of Canada's exports of food, plants, animals and associated products. It will continue to remain a demanding and important part of the Agency's mandate.
The Agency, in partnership with industry and interested stakeholders, will continue to develop and maintain export certification programs, conduct inspections, issue export certificates and accredit third parties to carry out testing.
KEY ELEMENTS OF CERTIFYING EXPORTS
|
Table 2.2d Expected result and related indicators for certifying exports | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets13 |
Other governments' import requirements are met. | Extent to which certified food shipments meet the receiving country's import requirements. | ≥99% meet requirements |
12 AAFC, Sustainable Development Strategy 2003, Sustainable Agriculture: Our Path Forward, p. 11.
13 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
The CFIA's research supports the delivery of a fair and effective regulatory regime for food, animals and plants through the acquisition of new knowledge and improved methodologies. The CFIA's research also supports the protection of the consumer and marketplace from unfair practices by verifying that the methodology used to support regulatory compliance activities is fully validated, uses the best science available, is in line with what is occurring internationally and meets the requirements set out in Canadian regulations.
KEY ELEMENTS OF REGULATORY RESEARCH — EXPORTS AND UNFAIR PRACTICES
|
Table 2.2e Expected result and related indicators for regulatory research-exports and unfair practices | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets |
Decision making related to regulatory development and review, deterring unfair practices and export is supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research. | Indicators are currently under development. | TBD |
Indicates a key strategic risk mitigation strategy
Increasingly, governments recognize that our economic and social well-being are contingent on the health and sustainability of our natural resources — including water, forestry, fisheries and agriculture. The Government of Canada's commitment to sustainable economic growth recognizes that "Healthy ecosystems are essential to the strength of the economy in direct ways. For example, Canada's forests contribute $59 billion and its oceans $22.0 billion to the Canadian economy annually, while natural resource based industries provide jobs to more than a million Canadians. In 2004 agricultural production alone employed approximately 324,100 people in Canada."14
The CFIA's contribution to this government priority is focussed on the promotion of a sustainable plant and animal resource base. This involves protecting Canada's crops, forests, livestock and aquatic animals from regulated pests and diseases, and assessing the environmental sustainability of new enabling technologies, such as biotechnology.
STRATEGIC OUTCOME | |||
2.3 A sustainable plant and animal resource base | |||
PROGRAM ACTIVITY & DESCRIPTION | |||
Animal and Plant Resource Protection Activities related to protecting Canada's livestock, crops and forests from regulated pests and diseases including invasive species; and regulation of agricultural products, including products of biotechnology. |
|||
PROGRAM SUB-ACTIVITIES | |||
2.3a Protecting Canada's crops and forests 2.3b Protecting Canada's livestock and aquatic animals 2.3c Assessing agricultural products 2.3d Regulatory Research — Animal and plant resource protection |
|||
EXPECTED RESULTS | |||
• Entry and domestic spread of regulated plant diseases and pests are
controlled. • Industry complies with federal acts and regulations regarding Canada's crops, forests and livestock. • Entry and domestic spread of regulated animal diseases are controlled. • Agricultural products meet the requirements of federal acts and regulations. • Decision making, including regulation, in regards to animal and plant health are supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research. |
|||
RESOURCE ALLOCATION | |||
Planned Spending | |||
2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | 2008- 2009 | |
Net Planned Spending ($ millions) | 106.7 | 106.3 | 105.2 |
Full Time Equivalents | 1,146 | 1,147 | 1,138 |
14 Canada's Performance 2005, p. 10.
The CFIA's role in protecting the plant resource base involves preventing the entry, establishment and domestic spread of plant diseases and pests as well as the regulation of fertilizers and plant supplements.
The entry and establishment of plant diseases and pests that originate in other countries can be devastating. For example, a forest pest called Emerald Ash Borer was introduced in Ontario earlier this decade. This pest is decimating the ash tree population in southwestern Ontario and is continuing to spread.
Sudden Oak Death, which is caused by a fungus-like pathogen that has killed tens of thousands of oak trees in California, inadvertently gained entry into Canada in imported nursery plants. Since the detection of Sudden Oak Death in B.C. in 2003, the CFIA has undertaken aggressive eradication activities in British Columbian nurseries and on urban properties to stop the disease from becoming established in Canada.
In order to prevent the entry and establishment of plant diseases and pests, the CFIA conducts risk assessments, and develops and implements regulations, policies and programs to identify and manage pest risks associated with imported plants, plant products, wood packaging and soil. These regulations and policies are implemented through a comprehensive risk-based inspection program for imports that is delivered in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency. It also includes activities such as conducting pre-clearance inspections of products and reviewing certification programs of foreign countries, issuing import permits and monitoring or surveying for the entry of plant diseases and pests.
Controlling the spread of plant pests and diseases that are established in Canada is another key aspect of the CFIA's role in protecting Canada's crops and forests. For example, potato wart is a serious disease caused by a soil-borne fungus. The fungus can remain dormant in the soil for several years or more as resting spores. It is found in Newfoundland where it has been regulated since 1912, and in 2000 was detected in several fields in PEI. These areas are under strict quarantine measures designed to prevent the movement of this disease to other parts of Canada. The Agency monitors established pests to determine their spread and provide supporting data to fulfill requirements for determining regulated areas. This is accomplished by conducting surveys; inspecting and auditing establishments; and sampling and testing Canadian plants, plant products and soil.
KEY ELEMENTS OF PROTECTING CANADA'S CROPS AND FORESTS
|
Risk assessments, modelling and management of plant pests and diseases is a key component of the CFIA's ongoing pest and disease management efforts. The detection of regulated plant pests and diseases results in the implementation of response plans that include activities such as movement control measures and/or establishing quarantine zones to limit spread of plant pests as well as supervising treatment activities or conducting eradication efforts. Compliance and enforcement activities, when necessary, include actions such as seizing and detaining product, issuing warning letters, initiating legal action, and suspending establishments.
Canada's crops and forests are also protected by the CFIA's ongoing efforts related to the regulation of plant supplements and fertilizers. The CFIA conducts product inspections at blending and manufacturing plants, retail outlets and warehouses. The Agency also routinely assesses and samples fertilizers and supplements to verify that they meet Canada's standards for safety. The samples are tested for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and pathogens such as salmonella. When necessary, the CFIA undertakes compliance and enforcement activities, including product detention and legal action.
The Agency also designs and delivers education, awareness and outreach activities and products aimed at educating all Canadians about the role we all play in protecting Canada's crops and forests.
CFIA'S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING PLANTS FROM INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES The introduction to Canada of invasive alien species (IAS) in Canada threatens the environment, the economy and society. Impact is often severe and irreversible. IAS are considered the second most significant threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Asian longhorn beetle is an example of an IAS that has recently entered Canada but is not yet widely distributed. The CFIA and its partners have set eradication plans in motion, including monitoring and controlling the spread of this pest, to prevent widespread irreversible harm to Canadian forests. The CFIA is working with federal, provincial and territorial government agencies and other partners to alleviate this threat by implementing priority actions identified in An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. This strategy focuses on protection of Canadian plant resources from IAS through enhanced prevention, early detection and response planning. The 2005 Federal Budget provided an investment of $85 million over five years for the Invasive Alien Species Strategy. The CFIA will receive $50 million over five years to support its role in this initiative. Strategic investments will be made in the following areas:
The CFIA will also facilitate collaboration, mutual support and information-sharing amongst scientific and regulatory organizations responsible for IAS by supporting the establishment of a national Plant Protection Network of Expertise. Additionally the CFIA will undertake the development of an information management system which will enable integration of IAS-related information within the CFIA and with other government departments to better enable data collection, decision-making, communication, and program evaluation. For more information on the Invasive Alien Species program, please visit the CFIA's Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca. |
Table 2.3a Expected results and related indicators for protecting Canada's crops and forests | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Results | Indicators | Performance Targets15 |
Entry and domestic spread of regulated plant diseases and pests are controlled. | Extent to which Agency data indicates the entry of new regulated diseases and pests into Canada (Listed diseases/pests in the Regulated Pest List for Canada) | No entry of new regulated diseases and pests through regulated pathways. |
Change in the presence of plant diseases or pests beyond the regulated areas. | No increase attributable to human activity. | |
Extent to which pest surveys are conducted as per workplan. | 100% | |
Industry complies with federal acts and regulations concerning Canada's crops and forests. | Extent to which fertilizers and supplement sample tests, comply with efficacy and safety standards (non-biotechnology product) | ≥95% Compliance |
Extent to which fertilizers and supplement sample tests (heavy metal, pathogen, and pesticide contamination) comply with efficacy standards | ≥95% Compliance |
15 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and
the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the
Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote
improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of
non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
Canada's ability to market animals, animal products and by-products as well as livestock feed is dependent upon its freedom from the serious epizootic diseases.
The CFIA conducts disease surveillance as part of the Canadian Animal Health Network, a nationwide network of veterinarians, and provincial and university diagnostic laboratories. Disease intelligence is exchanged on a regular basis as the CFIA works with other nations and international organizations to establish collaborative approaches to common challenges.
Under the authority of the Health of Animals Act and its regulations, animal owners, veterinarians and laboratories are required to immediately report to the CFIA the presence of an animal that is affected by or suspected of being infected with a reportable disease. These diseases are outlined in the Health of Animals Act and Regulations and are generally of significant importance to human or animal health or to the Canadian economy.
The Agency regularly monitors, tests, inspects and orders quarantines so that regulated animal diseases can be prevented, controlled or eradicated. To encourage the early reporting of suspected diseases, the CFIA administers a compensation program for animals ordered destroyed or treated, and for the costs of disposal.
Scientific risk evaluations and science-based international standards guide the Agency's import policies. The CFIA administers and enforces regulations governing the entry of all imported animals and animal products into Canada. Inspections target high risk animals that show visible signs of disease. Higher risk shipments may be subject to quarantine, import permits, and testing before entering Canada.
The Agency administers a national livestock feed program to verify that livestock feeds manufactured and sold in Canada or imported into Canada are safe, effective and labelled appropriately. The principle thrust of the national feed program is safety. The CFIA inspects feed mills and rendering facilities, monitors feeds for level of medication or contaminants, conducts investigations in response to complaints or on detection of contamination, reviews labels and evaluates and approves ingredients.
KEY ELEMENTS OF PROTECTING CANADA'S LIVESTOCK AND AQUATIC ANIMALS
|
NATIONAL AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH PROGRAM In its spring 2005 budget, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $59 million for the first five years of a new, permanent National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP) to protect Canada's aquatic animals from exotic diseases and provide competitive access to export markets. Canada's annual seafood exports, derived from aquaculture, the wild fishery and transformed and re-exported seafood imports, go to over 120 countries and are valued at approximately $5 billion. Eighty-eight percent of farmed fish grown in Canada are exported, accounting for approximately 15% of Canadian seafood exports. Approximately 130,000 Canadians earn their livelihood from commercial seafood harvesting, and aquaculture production and processing. Canadian seafood products compete in an international market governed by internationally recognized trade agreements and scientific standards. The National Aquatic Animal Health Program will help Canada to better protect its farmed and wild aquatic resources from the introduction and spread of reportable diseases and will allow Canada to demonstrate its aquatic animal health status. By doing so, the NAAHP will help to sustain public confidence in the safety of live and processed seafood and maintain and expand Canada's access to international seafood markets. The NAAHP is modelled after the CFIA's well-established terrestrial animal health program. The NAAHP covers all regulatory activities, from surveillance and disease control to diagnostic testing, research and animal welfare. The Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments, the aboriginal community and industry all play an important role in Canada's aquatic animal health. The CFIA is proceeding with the implementation of the new program in 2006-07. Several initiatives are planned, including:
For more information on the National Aquatic Animal Health Program, please visit the CFIA's Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca. |
Table 2.3b Expected results and related indicators for protecting Canada's livestock and aquatic animals | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Results | Indicators | Performance Targets16 |
Entry and domestic spread of regulated animal diseases are controlled. | Extent to which Agency data indicates the entry of new regulated animal diseases into Canada (Listed diseases in OIE) | No entry of new regulated diseases through regulated pathways. |
Change of animals (domestic) with regulated animal disease found in Canadian herds/flocks | No increase. | |
Industry complies with federal acts and regulations for livestock. | Extent to which feed mills inspected comply with the Feeds Act including the feed ban (under the Health of Animals Regulations) | ≥92% |
Extent to which renderers inspected comply with the Feeds Act including the feed ban (under the Health of Animals Regulations) | ≥90% compliance | |
Extent to which feed mills inspected are without any major deviations, with the Feeds Act including the feed ban (under the Health of Animals Regulations) | 95% Compliance | |
Extent to which renderers inspected are without any major deviations, with the Feeds Act including the feed ban (under the Health of Animals Regulations) | 93% Compliance |
16 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and
the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the
Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote
improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of
non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
Livestock feeds, fertilizers and veterinary biologics that are effective and safe, contribute to efficient production and the maintenance of healthy livestock and crops. The CFIA assesses feed, fertilizers and supplements for their safety and efficacy before they can be registered for sale in Canada.
Classes of agricultural products that are derived from biotechnology, such as plants with novel traits (PNTs) and novel feeds and supplements, are also regulated. The CFIA assesses novel products for environmental, animal and human safety prior to authorizing their release into the Canadian environment.
The CFIA's licensing program for veterinary biologics is central to Canada's national animal health program. The program's objective is to protect the health of Canadians, their domestic pets, and animals used for food. Licences are issued based on the CFIA's evaluation of the purity, potency, safety and effectiveness of veterinary biologics. In addition, the CFIA issues import permits and export certificates for these products; investigates consumer complaints regarding suspected adverse reactions to them; inspects and monitors manufacturers and importers; and, monitors quality assurance.
Whether a product has been produced by conventional methods or by biotechnology, the general information requirements are the same. The Agency will continue to work to ensure that regulatory requirements for information are consistent with those of recognized international scientific groups and other national governments. This will help to maintain the quality and safety of agricultural inputs that are traded internationally.
KEY ELEMENTS OF ASSESSING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
|
Table 2.3c Expected result and related indicators for assessing agricultural products | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets17 |
Agricultural products meet the requirements of federal acts and regulations. | Extent to which confined field trials of PNTs comply with CFIA requirements. | ≥90% compliance |
Extent to which fertilizer and supplement sample tests comply with efficacy standards (novel supplements). | ≥95% compliance |
17 The targets are established performance measures
for both industry's and the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100%
are representative of the Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The
Agency strives to promote improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to
address all instances of non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
The CFIA's research supports protection of the animal and plant resource base through the acquisition of new knowledge and improved technologies and methodologies for the prevention, detection, surveillance and management of animal diseases of significance to the health of humans, livestock and wildlife, as well as regulated quarantine and non-quarantine plant pests. In addition, the CFIA's research supports the harmonization of laboratory methods with trading partners.
Significant plant pests which continue to threaten the Canadian plant resource base include the wood-boring insect pests Asian Longhorned Beetle, Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. The fungal pest which causes Sudden Oak Death has a host range so broad that it threatens both forestry resources and horticultural crops. The woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, was also recently identified for the first time in Canada. Research is needed to develop better methods to treat commodities that harbour pests of concern as well as to control the pests themselves, in addition to improved pest detection technologies.
Two transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) BSE and scrapie, are present in Canadian livestock, and another, chronic wasting disease (CWD), is present in wildlife or game-farmed animals. The CFIA conducts research to increase knowledge of these diseases in order to improve their control and to protect animal and human health and trade. Research is focused on better ways to detect TSEs in animals before signs of disease are apparent.
Exotic animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever could devastate animal health and trade, if they were introduced into Canada. Research on these diseases is aimed at improving tests that allow for early detection and rapid response in the event of an outbreak.
KEY ELEMENT OF REGULATORY RESEARCH — ANIMAL AND PLANT RESOURCE PROTECTION
|
Table 2.3d Expected result and related indicators for regulatory research-animal and plant resource protection | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets |
Decision making (including regulation) in regards to animal and plant health are supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research. | Indicators are currently under development. | TBD |
The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadians from deliberate threats to their safety. In April 2004, the Government issued the National Security Policy, which included the creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the launch of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, and the creation of a Government Operations Centre to provide around-the-clock coordination and support across government in the event of a national emergency. Each of these initiatives has had a direct impact on the programs and operation of the CFIA.
Under the Emergency Preparedness Act, the CFIA is mandated to prepare for, and respond to, emergencies involving food safety, animal health, plant health and any other situation related to the Agency's programs. The CFIA's emergency preparedness program focuses on activities that help the Agency and its partners reach a state of readiness to ensure an effective and rapid response to a food safety, animal disease or plant pest emergency.
STRATEGIC OUTCOME | |||
2.4 Security from deliberate threats to Canada's food supply and agricultural resource base | |||
PROGRAM ACTIVITY & DESCRIPTION | |||
Public Security (PSAT-related
activities)18 Activities related to contributing to public security and agri-food security |
|||
PROGRAM SUB-ACTIVITIES | |||
2.4a Preparing for emergencies 2.4b Enhancing capacity to respond to emergencies 2.4c Regulatory research- Public security (including CRTI initiatives) |
|||
EXPECTED RESULTS | |||
• The Agency is in a state of readiness for an effective rapid response to
emergencies. • The Agency has the capacity to respond to emergencies. • Decision making related to public security is supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research. |
|||
RESOURCE ALLOCATION | |||
Planned Spending | |||
2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | |
Net Planned Spending ($ millions) | 57.8 | 98.419 | 58.4 |
Full Time Equivalents | 197 | 197 | 197 |
18 The 2001 Federal Budget allocated funds to be spent over the next five years on public security and anti-terrorism (PSAT) activities to enhance security for Canadians.
19 The increase in planned spending is attributable to approved funding for
Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.
Emergency response is a challenging, shared responsibility that can involve numerous federal departments, provinces and territories, the US and other countries. Key elements of effective emergency response include appropriate policies, plans and procedures for dealing with emergencies, along with emergency exercises and training.
The Agency's emergency preparedness program focuses on activities that enable the CFIA and its partners to remain ready to respond quickly and effectively to an emergency involving food safety, an animal disease or a plant pest. The CFIA's integrated response for food safety and agricultural emergencies is based on establishing effective emergency inter-organizational links with partners and developing a framework for defining partners emergency interaction and decision making. On an ongoing basis, the CFIA conducts simulated emergency exercises which provide opportunities for emergency responders and their organizations to perform emergency duties and to build competencies.
Post-emergency situation reviews and assessments of emergency events are critical to assessing how effectively the CFIA manages emergencies. These reviews identify issues and lessons learned. They often result in recommendations related to capacity, leadership, intelligence and information management, processes and protocols, communications and linkages among partners.
The capacity to gather and critically analyse information related to potential threats to the food supply and agricultural resource base is essential to Canada's long-term security. The CFIA gathers and analyses information for decision making on an ongoing basis. This is supported by links that are maintained internally and externally with other Canadian government departments and agencies, industry, foreign governments and international bodies.
KEY ELEMENTS OF PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES
|
Table 2.4a Expected result and related indicators for preparing for emergencies | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets20 |
The Agency is in a state of readiness for an effective rapid response to emergencies | Extent to which CFIA has implemented aspects of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's (PSEPC) National Emergency Response System (NERS). | 100% implementation. |
20 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and
the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the
Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote
improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of
non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
The 2001 Federal Budget allocated funds to be spent over the next five years on public security and anti-terrorism (PSAT) activities to improve security for Canadians. Since the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the CFIA has been allocated approximately $30 million per year to increase its capacity to respond to emergencies. This includes strengthening surveillance and detection, science and laboratory capacity, and border controls.
The CFIA conducts surveillance and information sharing on an ongoing basis in order to anticipate potential deliberate threats and prepare accordingly. PSAT funding for surveillance and early-detection activities supplements the Agency's regular fundingfor monitoring food, animal and plant commodities.
The CFIA's laboratories provide testing services in support of food safety security and threats to the animal and plant resource base, and surveillance activities. In particular, laboratories must be capable of detecting potential high-threat agents in food and potentially harmful plant pests and foreign animal diseases. The CFIA continues to work on developing better methods and procedures for detecting pathogens such as viruses, parasites and bacteria in food, and for detecting zoonotic and foreign animal diseases. Further, the security of laboratories themselves is continuously reviewed and enhanced as necessary.
The CFIA maintains important linkages with its partners in order to respond effectively in emergency situations, and works closely with the Canada Border Services Agency in support of controls at border points.
KEY ELEMENTS OF ENHANCING CAPACITY TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES
|
Table 2.4b Expected result and related indicators for enhancing capacity to respond to emergencies | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicator | Performance Target21 |
The Agency has the capacity to respond to emergencies. | Extent to which CFIA has implemented aspects of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's (PSEPC) National Emergency Response System (NERS). | 100% implementation. |
21 The targets are established performance measures for both industry's and
the Agency's performance in relation to the expected result. Industry compliance rates of less than 100% are representative of the
Agency's risk-based inspection approach which targets areas of high-risk and past non-compliance. The Agency strives to promote
improved industry compliance on a year-to-year basis and has an enforcement and compliance strategy to address all instances of
non-compliance. For more information on the targets, please see Section II: Performance Information.
The capability to respond to new and emerging threats to our food supply is an integral component of the Agency's food safety program and enables the Agency to be a key contributor to a broad collaborative network of partners involved in efforts to strengthen Canada's preparedness for and response to potential terrorist threats. Research is undertaken to develop methodologies to detect potential contamination of the food supply which would not normally be expected to be found in food. Examples include methodologies to detect Yersinia pestis (plague), Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), and ricin (a toxin that has potential to be used as an agent of biological warfare) in the food supply. Having the detection methodology allows the Agency to be prepared to respond to deliberate threats to our food supply.
Recent examples of outbreaks of contagious animal diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza in British Columbia poultry in 2004, foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom in 2001, and classical swine fever in the late 1990s in the Netherlands, highlight the need to be well-prepared and able to manage outbreaks rapidly and effectively. The CFIA conducts research to better protect, detect and respond to intentional and non-intentional incursions.
The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) represents the federal science community's response and commitment to providing scientific solutions to issues of counter terrorism and national security. Through the creation of laboratory networks across the federal government that collaborate with industry, academia and first responder communities, and through key research and technology development initiatives, the CFIA will provide new knowledge, technology, and capacity necessary for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) prevention preparedness and response. The CFIA will continue to co-chair the Biological cluster of federal laboratories with the Public Health Agency of Canada.
KEY ELEMENT OF REGULATORY RESEARCH — PUBLIC SECURITY
|
Table 2.4c Expected result and related indicators for regulatory research — public security | ||
---|---|---|
Expected Result | Indicators | Performance Targets |
Decision making related to public security is supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research. | Indicators are currently under development. | TBD |
The Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), in its plan to improve management in federal departments and agencies, states that "good management is about being accountable and transparent. It is about building integrated responsive government that can leverage information and manage resources and relationships in innovative ways to deliver public value."22
The Management Accountability Framework (MAF), part of TBS's approach to encouraging management excellence and enhancing oversight of management practices, is being implemented across government. It consists of ten interconnected elements, such as risk management, accountability and stewardship, which are critical to management excellence. Using over 40 indicators, the TBS assesses each department on implementation of the Framework on an annual basis. More information on the MAF can be found at: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/maf-crg/
The CFIA views the implementation of the MAF as a means to continuously improve management processes so that the Agency's core mandate can be delivered in the most effective and efficient manner possible. In 2005-06, the CFIA instituted a new governance structure to make the decision-making process more effective and more responsive to changing circumstances that affect the Agency. Early experience with the new structure has shown that it has resulted in a more integrated approach to decision making. For additional information please see details on pages that follow.
This final section of CFIA's detailed plans for 2006-07, entitled "Sound Agency Management," is presented according to the MAF elements and indicators. It should be noted that the CFIA is actively addressing all MAF elements and indicators. Special priority, however, is being placed on certain initiatives. Those initiatives are highlighted in the plan that follows.
STRATEGIC OUTCOME | |||
2.5 Providing Sound Agency Management | |||
PROGRAM ACTIVITY | |||
Governance and Management | |||
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK ELEMENTS | |||
2.5a Risk Management, Accountability, Governance and Strategic Directions, and
Results and Performance 2.5b People, Values and Learning 2.5c Policy, Programs and Citizen-focussed Service 2.5d Stewardship |
|||
RESOURCE ALLOCATION | |||
Resources attributable to "Sound Agency Management" have been allocated to the four other strategic outcomes of the Agency on a pro-rata share |
22 Management in the Government of Canada: A Commitment to Continuous
Improvement, October 2005
MAF ELEMENTS | INDICATORS | |
Risk Management | Legal risk management | Risk |
Accountability | Authorities and delegation | |
Governance and Strategic Directions | Governance legitimacy | Governance structure |
Effective planning | Horizontal initiatives | |
Portfolio management | ||
Results and Performance | Evaluation function | Financial reporting |
Information and decision making | Performance reporting |
23 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Performance Report for the period ending 31 March 2005
CFIA'S NEW GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Recognizing the importance of leadership and transparent decision making, the CFIA has implemented an integrated governance structure. Under this structure, two senior decision-making committees take on the primary roles of information sharing and policy approval. The Executive Management Committee (EMC) acts as a forum for information sharing and updates on matters of ongoing interest and emerging issues. The Executive Policy Committee (EPC) is the key point of integration for the Agency, as it provides strategic policy direction for programs and administration, resource allocation, risk management and planning. The EPC is supported by six Executive Sub-Committees:
Each sub-committee provides strategic advice to EPC on policies and strategies related to its mandate. In addition, the Agency has established an independent Executive Sub-Committee on Audit and Risk Management, which is chaired by the President. This sub-committee fulfils the terms and conditions of the Treasury Board policies on internal audit and risk management, and ensures independent and objective advice, guidance and assurance on the adequacy of the Agency's control and accountability processes. The Agency's Executive Management Board (EMB), which is comprised of senior Agency executives, focuses on administrative and policy issues and new initiatives requiring broad-based consultation and in-depth deliberation. The EMB will:
|
MAF ELEMENTS | INDICATORS | |
People | Workplace | Workforce |
Employment equity | HR planning | |
Official languages | Performance review | |
Readiness for PSMA24 implementation | ||
Values | Leadership | Organizational culture |
Guidelines and recourse | ||
Learning | Innovation and change management | Organizational learning |
YOUTH NETWORK The CFIA recognizes the wide diversity of its employee base. The creation of a Youth Network in 2006 serves as a showcase to empower and retain young employees while promoting the CFIA as an employer of choice. |
24 Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA)
25 Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada
WORKPLACE WELLNESS The CFIA's workplace wellness program promotes a balanced way of living by assisting managers, employees and their families in developing and maintaining personal and professional quality of life. Following the 2006 employee survey, the CFIA will apply a series of HR metrics to measure workplace wellness and follow-up on areas of importance. |
MAF ELEMENTS | INDICATORS | |
Policy and Programs | Policy framework | Strategic policy capacity |
Citizen-Focussed Service | External service delivery strategy | Government-wide services |
Official languages for external service delivery | Service delivery and user fees |
MAF ELEMENTS | INDICATORS | |
Stewardship | Capital assets | Procurement and contract management |
Financial analysis | Project management | |
Information and IT management | Quality of TB submissions | |
Internal audit function | Real property | |
Management of transfer payments | Treasury Board conditions | |
Material management |
Indicates a key strategic risk mitigation strategy