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1. Agency Overview

1.1 Minister’s Message

The Honorable Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board

I am pleased to submit to Parliament the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Departmental Performance Report for 2007–2008.

The health and safety of Canadians is, and always will be, the top priority of the Government of Canada. We are committed to ensuring that we have a strong and rigorous inspection system that protects Canadian families and provides them with the confidence that the food they buy is safe.

I have roots in farming and I know Canadian farmers grow high quality, healthy and safe food for our families. I also know that our food industry takes their food safety obligations seriously. Canada has an excellent, science-based food safety regulatory system that is recognized internationally. However, we must continually improve our system to make it as strong as possible.

In December 2007, the Prime Minister announced the Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan to enhance the safety and reliability of consumer, food and health products. This plan places more emphasis on managing risks along the food continuum and taking quick action. Our initiatives include measures that allow the Agency to proactively monitor high-risk foods, better track importers and imported foods, and respond to issues of non-compliance with increased deterrents and recall capabilities. The Action Plan is supported by a $113 million commitment in Budget 2008.

The CFIA has taken steps to strengthen controls in federally registered food processing plants. While we work hard to prevent problems before they occur, no system can prevent every issue. When food safety issues occur, all aspects of the system are thoroughly reviewed and examined to determine what adjustments and improvements are needed to prevent a reoccurrence.

In addition to food safety, another priority for Canadians is knowing more about the foods they purchase from the grocery store. Canadians told us that when they see “Product of Canada” on a label, they expect the contents of that product to be truly Canadian. We listened and responded with the Canadian Labelling Initiative. In May and June 2008, the Government of Canada held consultations on the proposed new guidelines for “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims on food labels. The results confirmed overwhelming support for the proposed guidelines. In fact, over 90 per cent of Canadians who took part in the consultations agreed with the new “Product of Canada” policy. The result is that as of December 31, 2008, new food labels will begin to better reflect the Canadian content of food products in today's global marketplace and give our farmers, producers and processors the credit they deserve.

As the CFIA is a science-based regulatory agency, sound science is the foundation of our system. From farm gate-to-plate, the CFIA is dedicated to safeguarding Canada's food supply which includes the livestock and crops upon which safe and high-quality food depends. On that front, the CFIA has been successful in developing and improving methods for detecting pathogens, allergens and chemical residues. In 2007–2008, the CFIA also made significant improvements to ensure it is ready to respond to animal and plant disease outbreaks.

Building on lessons learned from previous outbreaks, the CFIA was successfully able to deal with the avian influenza situation in Saskatchewan and as well, established a vaccine bank to address future AI incidents. The CFIA continued its efforts to eradicate bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada by implementing the Enhanced Feed Ban. As a result, Canada has achieved “controlled-risk” status in the international community. We also developed a National Animal Health Strategy that not only addresses animal health and welfare, but also takes food safety matters into consideration.

Through its work on the Invasive Alien Species Strategy and other initiatives, the CFIA has taken steps to enhance the intergovernmental cooperation needed to control the entry and domestic spread of regulated plant diseases and pests.

As Minister responsible for the CFIA, I am proud to submit this performance report, which illustrates the progress the Agency has made toward achieving this government's ongoing commitment to improving and protecting the health and well-being of Canadians, our environment and our economy.

I am confident that the Agency, with its skilled and dedicated workforce, will continue to improve our system to meet new challenges.

 

The Honourable Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board

 

1.2 President’s Message

Carole Swan
President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

I am pleased to present the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Departmental Performance Report covering the period from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008. The CFIA is responsible for delivering federally mandated programs for food inspection, protecting the health of Canada’s plant and animal resource base, and consumer protection as it relates to food. The CFIA is also committed to serving Canadians by working with its partners to protect public health, contribute to economic growth, and protect Canada’s environment.

The Agency continues to exercise due diligence by effectively minimizing and managing public health risks associated with the food supply and transmission of animal disease to humans. It also contributes to consumer protection and market access based on the application of science and adherence to international standards. Over the past year, the CFIA conducted food safety investigations and initiated food recalls as part of the CFIA’s ongoing commitment to consumer protection.

The Agency remains in a state of preparedness and response for avian influenza and other animal diseases. In 2007–2008, the CFIA successfully responded to the detection of avian influenza in Saskatchewan and led emergency response exercises across the country. These initiatives underscore the value of close collaboration with other federal departments and agencies, the provinces and territories, and industry, in the protection of Canadian health, the economy and the resources upon which Canadians depend.

A major success for the Agency in the past year was the implementation of the Enhanced Feed Ban. Its regulations critically advanced Canada’s response to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and were a key factor in Canada being recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a “controlled risk” country for BSE.

Maintaining proper food safety systems is an ongoing concern which requires sustained domestic and international cooperation among all food safety partners. As one of the key partners in the food safety continuum, the CFIA plays an important role.

As the CFIA enters its second decade, it remains focused on continuing to improve its food safety systems, apply lessons learned, expand its knowledge and intensify its approaches to better protect Canadians.

 

Carole Swan
President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

 

1.3 Management Representation Statement

The CFIA’s 2007–2008 Performance Report for the year ending March 31st, 2008, was prepared under the direction of the President and the Senior Management Committee of the CFIA and approved by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act, the report also includes an assessment of the fairness and reliability of the performance information conducted by the Auditor General of Canada.

I submit for tabling in Parliament, the 2007–2008 Performance Report for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Guide for the Preparation of Part III of the 2007–2008 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports. This document:

  • Adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the Treasury Board Secretariat guidance;
  • Is based on the Agency’s Strategic Outcomes and Program Activity Architecture that were approved by the Treasury Board;
  • Presents consistent, comprehensive, balanced, and reliable information;
  • Provides a basis of accountability for the results achieved with the resources and authorities entrusted to it; and
  • Reports finances based on approved numbers from the Estimates and the Public Accounts of Canada.

 

Carole Swan
President

 

1.4 Introduction to the Agency

The CFIA is Canada’s largest science-based regulatory agency responsible for delivering all federally mandated programs for food inspection, plant and animal health products and production systems, and consumer protection as it relates to food. The CFIA’s mandate is vast and complex, with responsibilities flowing from 13 federal statutes and 42 sets of regulations.

The sectors regulated by the CFIA include agriculture, agri-food, fish, seafood, plant, nursery, and forestry. Those who benefit from the Agency’s services include farmers, fishers, foresters, processors, distributors (importers and exporters), and, ultimately, all Canadian consumers.

Key to the CFIA’s success are several interrelated and integral factors: sound science; an effective regulatory base; effective inspection programs; effective risk management; and strong partnerships. In an international context, the CFIA strives to ensure that the international regulatory framework, as it relates to the Agency’s mandate, is strong, coherent, and science-based.

Sound Science

The CFIA relies on science as the basis for designing and delivering its programs and making regulatory decisions. Science is pivotal to dealing with emerging issues such as safety assessments of new biotechnology-derived products and issues related to avian influenza and BSE. The specific activities for which the CFIA needs and uses science to support its daily work include laboratory activities, risk assessment, surveillance, research, and technology development. The Agency also analyzes scientific research data and other information to provide technical advice and intelligence that enables CFIA officials to identify and prepare for emerging issues. The CFIA’s scientific expertise contributes to regulatory policy and standards development, not only in Canada, but worldwide.

An Effective Regulatory Base

For a regulatory regime to be effective, legislation must be clear, enforceable, fair, and consistently applied. The CFIA is continually reviewing its legislative authorities and looking for ways to update its regulatory base in order to strengthen its ability to contribute to public policy objectives, taking into account the domestic and international environment in which the Agency undertakes its responsibilities.

The CFIA represents Canada at international standard-setting bodies for food safety, animal health, and plant health issues. In addition to domestic regulation, the Agency is responsible for regulating both imported and exported products, and its actions are disciplined by international obligations, primarily through the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures1 of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Additionally, the Agency conducts a broad range of activities in this regard with international bodies such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties – OIE), Codex Alimentarius, and International Plant Protection Convention to name a few. Section 4.4 provides a list of all international bodies with whom the CFIA engages.


THE CFIA’S LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act
  • Canada Agricultural Products Act
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act
  • Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (as it relates to food)
  • Feeds Act
  • Fertilizers Act
  • Fish Inspection Act
  • Food and Drugs Act (as it relates to food)
  • Health of Animals Act
  • Meat Inspection Act
  • Plant Breeders’ Rights Act
  • Plant Protection Act
  • Seeds Act

Effective Inspection Programs

Products that may be subject to inspection or certification by the CFIA range from seeds, feeds, and fertilizers, to fresh foods—including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, fruit, and vegetables—and prepared and packaged foods. The Agency sets or upholds standards and establishes compliance and enforcement priorities based on strategies for managing risk. Compliance with applicable acts and regulations is assessed through inspections, audits, product sampling, and verifications. To help industry comply with statutory requirements and standards, the CFIA carries out education and awareness activities that are intended to clarify and increase their understanding. Where non-compliance is identified, the CFIA uses a broad range of enforcement approaches from verbal and written warnings to administrative monetary penalties and prosecution. Critical to effectively fulfilling the CFIA’s mandate is the ongoing design, development, and review of inspection-related tools and processes.

Effective Risk Management

Recognizing the CFIA’s vast and diverse mandate, the Agency uses prudent risk management to optimally allocate resources and make decisions related to long-standing and emerging issues. The CFIA’s Corporate Risk Profile provides a framework for identifying risks and for developing strategies for managing risks across the range of its mandate. See Section 4.3 for a detailed description of the CFIA’s key risks and challenges.

Strong Partnerships

To effectively deliver on its broad mandate, the CFIA must partner regularly with various federal, provincial, and municipal government departments; and work with diverse regulated sectors of industry, producers, international counterparts, and consumer organizations.


THE CFIA’S KEY FEDERAL PARTNERS

  • Health Canada
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
  • Canadian Grain Commission
  • Public Safety Canada
  • Canada Border Services Agency
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • Natural Resources Canada, including Canadian Forest Service
  • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
  • Environment Canada, including Canadian Wildlife Service

1.4.1 Organizational Information

The CFIA is led by a President, who reports to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The Agency has an integrated governance structure whereby all branch heads have specific accountabilities that contribute to the achievement of each of the CFIA’s strategic objectives. Figure 1 depicts the reporting structure within the CFIA.

Figure 1: CFIA’s Organizational Chart

Figure 1: CFIA’s Organizational Chart

With its headquarters in the National Capital Region, the CFIA is organized into four operational areas (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, and Western) that are subdivided into 18 regional offices, 185 field offices (including border points of entry) and 408 offices in non-government establishments (such as processing facilities). The Agency also has 15 laboratories and research facilities that provide scientific advice, develop new technologies, provide testing services, and conduct research. Figure 2 illustrates the CFIA’s locations across the country.

Figure 2: CFIA Area and Regional Offices

Figure 2:   CFIA Area and Regional Offices

 

1.4.2 Program Activity Architecture

In accordance with requirements of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), the CFIA uses the Program Activity Architecture (PAA) and associated Management Resources and Results Structure (MRRS) as the framework for planning and reporting. The PAA presents the CFIA’s key Strategic Outcomes, the associated Program Activities, and Expected Results. The Agency is in the process of reviewing and modernizing its PAA/MRRS to ensure it remains relevant as the Agency, and the environment in which it operates, evolves.

The PAA/MRRS, as illustrated in Figure 3, forms the basis upon which this Performance Report is structured and provides the “map” against which Expected Results are reported. It also reflects how the Agency allocates and manages its resources in order to achieve these Expected Results. Priorities are identified and reviewed periodically to facilitate effective resource management in support of the PAA framework and the Agency’s Strategic Outcomes.

Figure 3: CFIA’s 2007–2008 Program Activity Architecture

Figure 3: CFIA's 2007-2008 Program Activity Architecture

1.5 Summary Information

1.5.1 Raison D’être

With close to 7,000 dedicated professionals working across Canada, the CFIA is committed to serving Canadians by protecting public health, contributing to economic growth, and protecting Canada’s environment.

1.5.2 Summary of the CFIA’s 2007–2008 Performance

The Agency contributes to its strategic outcomes and priorities by allocating and managing resources among five program activities.

Table 1–1 provides a high-level overview of the Agency’s financial and human resources allocation and usage.

Table 1–2 provides a summary of the CFIA’s overall performance against strategic outcomes, priorities, and spending. The Agency considers to have successfully met its expected results for each priority when progress has been made on all commitments outlined in the 2007–2008 Report on Plans and Priorities, and most (≥80%) of the corresponding performance targets have been met where targets exist. Section 1.6.2 provides further details of performance by priority and Section 2 elaborates on detailed performance by strategic outcome.


Table 1–1: Financial and Human Resources Managed by CFIA
Financial Resources ($ millions)
Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
639.4 714.3 681.3
Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents – FTEs2)
Planned Actual Difference
6,464 6,327 137


Table 1–2: Linking Performance to Strategic Outcomes and Priorities
Status on Performance 20072008 Planned Spending ($ millions) Actual Spending
($ millions)
Strategic Outcome 1: Protection from preventable health risks related to food safety or the transmission of animal diseases to humans

Program Activity: Food Safety 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 safety incidents in non-federally registered facilities and food products produced in them are addressed.
  • 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.3
Priority One: Improving regulatory compliance (Ongoing) Successfully met expectations 352.4 405.9
Priority Two: Continuing with the CFIA’s high state of preparedness and response for avian influenza and other zoonotic and plant diseases and pests (Ongoing) Successfully met expectations    
Strategic Outcome 2: Protection of consumers through a fair and effective food, animal, and plant regulatory regime that supports competitive domestic and international markets

Program Activity: Science and Regulation

Expected results:

  • The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of international rules, standards, and agreements through international negotiations.4
  • Transparent, outcome-based, and science-based domestic regulatory framework is maintained.4
  • The Agency applies sound and current science to the development of national standards, operational methods, and procedures.4
  • Deceptive and unfair market practices are deterred.
  • Other governments’ import requirements are met.
  • Decision making related to regulatory development and review, deterring unfair practices, and export is supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research.3
Priority One: Improving regulatory compliance (Ongoing) Successfully met expectations 93.7 74.0
Priority Three: Supporting the agenda for innovation competitiveness and productivity (Ongoing) Successfully met expectations    
Priority Four: Moving forward on key regulatory initiatives (Ongoing) Successfully met expectations    
Strategic Outcome 3: A sustainable plant and animal resource base

Program Activity: 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 concerning Canada’s crops and forests.
  • Entry and domestic spread of regulated animal diseases are controlled.
  • Industry complies with Acts and Regulations regarding Canada’s livestock.
  • Agricultural products meet the requirements of federal acts and regulations.
  • Decision making, including regulations, in regard to animal and plant health is supported by sound, sufficient, and current Agency regulatory research.3
Priority One: Improving regulatory compliance (Ongoing) Did not meet expectations 111.7 160.9
Priority Two: Continuing with the CFIA’s high state of preparedness and response for avian influenza and other zoonotic and plant diseases and pests (Ongoing) Successfully met expectations    
Priority Four: Moving forward on key regulatory initiatives (ongoing) Successfully met expectations    
Strategic Outcome 4: Security from deliberate threats to Canada’s food supply and agricultural resource base

Program Activity: Public Security

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.3
Priority Two: Continuing with the CFIA’s high state of preparedness and response for avian influenza and other zoonotic and plant diseases and pests (Ongoing) Successfully met expectations. 81.6 40.5
Providing Sound Agency Management in support of CFIA’s Strategic Outcomes

Program Activity: Governance and Management

Expected Results:

  • Based on assessment against MAF indicators and measures of management practice.
Priority Five: Continued management of the CFIA corporate agenda Successfully met expectations N/A5 N/A

1.6 Agency’s Performance

1.6.1 Operating Environment and Context

The CFIA’s operating context is evolving, and the scope of activities under its mandate is expanding. In comparison to when it first became an agency in 1997, the CFIA faces an increasingly complex working environment amplified by a number of factors.

Globalization

Economically, socially, culturally, technologically, politically, and ecologically, the world is more connected than ever before. Markets have become progressively interconnected and borders more porous. This increased global dependence and integration has had several tangible effects on CFIA-related activities.

Since the Agency’s creation in 1997, imports and exports of products subject to CFIA regulation have increased by 45.6 percent.6 The import of food into Canada is on the rise; an increasing proportion of which is coming from developing countries and emerging trading partners. In addition, increased exports of CFIA-regulated commodities mean greater demands on the CFIA for export-related inspection and certification.

Global supply chains have fundamentally changed the way in which food, plant, and animal commodities are produced, processed, packaged, distributed, and sold. Ingredients come from around the world, and finished products are distributed globally, broadening the potential scope and impact of failures in food safety control systems. In addition, the task of tracking ingredients has become more difficult. The increasing and diverse trade in agricultural commodities also poses higher risks to both plant and animal health by providing more pathways for the unintentional flow of pests and pathogens.

Population Demographics

Immigration continues to rise and has accounted for approximately 60 percent7 of Canada’s population growth since the year 2000. The changing face of Canada has translated into demands for a greater variety of ethnic and imported foods from an increasing number of countries.

Our aging population is also a consideration. The elderly are more susceptible to foodborne pathogens, and there is more demand for food fortification and nutrient supplements.

Evolving Consumer Preferences

Canadian consumer demands for food products are shifting as a result of changing demographics, lifestyles, eating patterns, and an increased focus by consumers on the food they buy and provide to their families. Busy families are seeking more convenient foods and ready-to-eat products ranging from bagged salads to fresh entrées. A growing number of consumers are demanding healthy food choices and greater variety, regardless of the season. Consumers are also demanding informative labels that allow them to make choices about nutrition as well as production methods, such as organics.

Evolving Federal Science and Technology

The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the effectiveness of its investments in science and technology (S&T) to ensure Canadians benefit from scientific innovation and that Canada continues to have a competitive advantage.

In May 2007, the Government of Canada released its S&T strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada’s Advantage, which sets out a multi-year framework for a creating a business environment that encourages the private sector to innovate, and for guiding intelligent strategic investments of public funds. The strategy underscores the importance of S&T in the development of regulations and policy.

In the future, numerous challenges will drive more integrated approaches and multi-stakeholder collaboration in federal science activities. These challenges include the increasing complexity of scientific issues, multidisciplinary science in emerging fields, emphasis on interrelated policy priorities, and limited public resources. Additional challenges include the retirement of a significant number of public service scientists in the next five years and difficulties in attracting bright, young scientists to federal research.

A More Complex Trading Environment

Increasingly, sanitary and phytosanitary negotiations, requirements of international trade agreements, and demands of trading partners, play a key role in the trade of agriculture and food products. Globalization, increasing trade volumes, changing consumer demands, higher international standards, and new production practices, combined with high-profile food and product recalls, have raised international public concern about the safety of food products traded around the world. These concerns have translated into greater regulatory requirements for many Canadian exporters and importers and additional requirements for CFIA intervention to facilitate trade.

In responding to these demands, where appropriate, the CFIA seeks out cooperation with trading partners to develop compatible regulations while maintaining the highest level of health, safety, and environmental protection.

1.6.2 Summary of Performance by Priority

The CFIA has established five priorities to guide management of resources towards achieving its Strategic Outcomes. The Agency’s performance with respect to achieving these priorities is summarized below. Section 2 elaborates on detailed performance by strategic outcome.

Priority One: Improving regulatory compliance

The Agency focused on three main thrusts to advance work under this priority:

  • Focusing inspection activities within the federally registered sector on areas with a history of lower compliance, while ensuring prudent oversight of those areas where performance has been favourable.
  • Building and maintaining strong partnerships with Provinces, Territories, and other stakeholders to effectively manage the non-federally registered sector.
  • Increasing public outreach activities to advance awareness and understanding of Canada’s food safety system.

Although overall performance against established compliance targets in the federally registered sectors remained consistent with past years, CFIA’s focused approach to improving compliance has resulted in some improvements to compliance in areas where targets have not historically been met.

CFIA advanced its efforts on ensuring that food safety information is made available to Canadians. Ongoing food safety outreach activities included publishing public warnings on the internet and providing e-mail and web feed notifications, press releases and priority campaigns for high risk food recalls providing Canadians with timely information to make informed decisions.

Links to Government of Canada Outcomes:

  • Healthy Canadians
  • Strong economic growth

Priority Two: Continuing with the CFIA’s high state of preparedness and response for avian influenza (AI) and other zoonotic and plant diseases and pests

The Agency continued its long-standing efforts to enhance its state of preparedness and ability to respond to animal and plant health issues. The Agency focused on a number of key areas to advance this priority in 2007–2008.

  • In response to increasing pressure on Canada’s plant health status, the CFIA developed and presented a National Plant Biosecurity Framework to support the National Plant Health Strategy.
  • In addition to the continuation of proactive surveillance activities for BSE and AI, several advancements were made to improve emergency preparedness. Notable for this year is the establishment of a national veterinary reserve to assist in the event of an animal health emergency, the establishment of a vaccine bank for AI, and the advancement of work toward a business case to implement a national traceability portal.
  • Canada also continued work with the United States and Mexico on regulatory aspects of the North American Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), with a focus on the elimination of redundant testing and certification requirements. A key success was the harmonization of standards to facilitate the export of breeding cattle to Mexico and a mechanism between Canada and the United States to coordinate and exchange information on food safety investigations.

Links to Government of Canada Outcomes:

  • Healthy Canadians
  • Strong economic growth

Priority Three: Supporting the agenda for innovation, competitiveness and productivity

The CFIA plays a significant role in ensuring that Canadian producers and processors can compete in a global economy by facilitating the import and export of food products. The CFIA’s efforts contribute to open trade, and to a fair and transparent marketplace for Canadian consumers.

In 2007–2008, the Agency focused on a number of key areas to advance this priority.

  • With CFIA as the lead, Canada was among the first to document a National Animal Health Strategy. The Strategy addresses food safety, animal health, animal welfare, and environmental protection throughout the animal’s entire lifespan. In addition, the CFIA delivered on its commitment to maintain aquatic animal health by conducting national stakeholder consultations and reviewing regulations supporting the Health of Animals Act.
  • The Agency also advanced improvements to Canada’s meat inspection system in order to achieve clearer industry accountability through the successful expansion of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach to all federally registered meat establishments. The Agency also drafted a new Canadian Meat Hygiene Standard, which, once finalized, will serve as a framework to enable government to continue to verify, in an effective way, that safe meat products are produced.

Links to Government of Canada Outcomes:

  • A fair and secure marketplace
  • Strong economic growth

Priority Four: Moving forward on key regulatory initiatives

In 2007–2008, the CFIA continued its ongoing efforts to modernize and improve regulations and to promote international science-based standards for world trade in food, animals, and plants.

  • The Agency has been working with industry to identify and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, directly contributing to the implementation of the Government of Canada’s Cabinet Directive on Streamlining Regulations (formerly Smart Regulations). The CFIA also continued preparations for implementation of the Organic Products Regulations.
  • A major success for 2007–2008 was the successful implementation of the Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB). The EFB regulations are a critical advancement in Canada’s response to BSE and a key factor in Canada being recognized by the OIE as a ‘BSE controlled risk’ country.
  • Lastly, recognizing the need to minimize administrative and undue regulatory pressures, the CFIA made significant advancements in its contribution to the Government of Canada’s Paper Burden Reduction Initiative. The Agency successfully identified a 20 percent target for the reduction of non-essential, administrative requirements, and for the streamlining of policies and guidelines. Implementation of these reductions is underway.

Links to Government of Canada Outcomes:

  • A fair and secure marketplace

Priority Five: Continued management of the CFIA corporate agenda

Sound management practices and good governance are the cornerstone for successful program delivery. The CFIA has been commended by TBS for its excellence in management practices, and for meeting its accountabilities related to the delivery of its core mandate and program delivery.

The CFIA’s management practices are assessed annually as part of the Government of Canada’s Management Accountability Framework (MAF) assessment process. In 2007–2008, CFIA continued to perform well in its MAF assessment, receiving 5 “Strong”, 12 “Acceptable” and 3 “Opportunities for Improvement” ratings from the TBS MAF V Assessment. The Agency develops a yearly MAF Action Plan to re-dress the areas with an opportunity for improvement rating, as well as other areas of management that have received an Acceptable rating but where the Agency seeks excellence. The Agency is currently working on its annual Action Plan to improve upon its overall ratings. Further details regarding CFIA’s MAF assessment can be found in Section 4.1.

Lastly, in 2007–2008 the Agency focused on Human Resource Renewal as a key corporate priority with employee consultations and the release of its HR Renewal Strategy in early 2008.

Links to Government of Canada Outcomes:

  • Government Affairs/Accountability

 

1 Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and Agreement: These are measures to protect human, animal, and plant life, or health and to ensure that food is safe to eat. For more information on the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) visit the website: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/spsagr_e.htm

2 The calculation of a full-time equivalent (FTE) differs from the calculation of an employee in that the former considers part-time employment, term employment, job sharing, and would combine, for instance, two-half time employees into a single FTE.

3 The CFIA Performance Measurement Framework has evolved significantly since the publication of its 2007–2008 RPP. Results for regulatory research aim to support, sound risk-based decision making policy development and implementation, and program delivery across all Agency programs. Regulatory research reporting, therefore, is included where appropriate with the other expected results for this program activity.

4 The CFIA Performance Measurement Framework has evolved significantly since the publication of its 2007–2008 RPP. The CFIA acknowledges that international engagement, application of current and sound science, and maintenance of a transparent, outcome-based, and science-based regulatory framework form part of Agency activities, and may not be considered expected results. These expected results have been removed from the 2008–2009 Performance Measurement Frameworks. For the 2007–2008 reporting period, the performance indicators identified in the 2007–2008 RPP have been removed.

5 Resources attributable to “Governance and Management” have been allocated proportionally to the four strategic outcomes that comprise the CFIA’s Program Activity Architecture.

6 Source: World Trade Atlas.

7 Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census.