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2. Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

2.1 How the Agency Plans and Reports

In accordance with TBS’s Management, Resources and Results Structure Policy, the CFIA’s planning and reporting framework is based on strategic outcomes, a Program Activity Architecture (PAA), and the associated Performance Measurement Framework.

Presentation of CFIA’s 2007–2008 Performance Report is aligned with the Agency’s PAA. This Performance Report highlights key accomplishments and reports on progress made in advancing the plans and priorities identified in the Agency’s 2007–2008 Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP). Under each strategic outcome and program activity, performance is reported on ongoing activities, risk mitigation strategies and special initiatives, with a focus on expected results for Canadians.

Section 2.2 of this report describes, where possible, performance information and expected results for each strategic outcome measured against targets using compliance and other relevant performance indicators.

2.1.1 Assessment of Compliance

As a regulatory agency, the CFIA sets legislative and regulatory requirements and measures the rates of compliance achieved by regulated parties with those requirements. Compliance rates are an indicator of the extent to which regulated parties have adhered to federal acts and regulations. A compliance rate of less than 100 percent means that, some proportion of the facilities or products inspected by the CFIA have failed to meet requirements.

The CFIA promotes compliance by conducting inspections, audits, product sampling, and verifications. The CFIA also carries out education and awareness activities to increase regulated parties’ understanding of statutory and regulatory requirements.

When CFIA inspectors determine that a responsible party is non-compliant, the establishment is required to correct the related procedure, product or deficiencies. Serious deficiencies are corrected on a priority basis and in some cases, such as in federally registered food establishments, production is stopped and/or products are recalled from the marketplace. Non-compliant facilities are subject to re-inspection to confirm that they have taken corrective steps identified by inspectors. If deficiencies still exist in non-compliant facilities, Agency inspectors have the option of suspending or revoking facility registration and/or taking prosecution action.

The CFIA employs three approaches to assessing compliance. These include:

• The CFIA inspects establishments and tests products which result in compliance rates that represent the populations regulated by the CFIA. Monitoring programs provide an accurate overview of compliance in the marketplace in general.
• In cases where monitoring has identified specific compliance problems affecting certain regulated parties, certain facilities, certain food sectors or specific aspects within the food continuum, the CFIA takes a targeted approach to inspections, sampling and testing by focusing on the problem area or on areas of highest risk. Non-compliant establishments or products are often sought out for the targeted approach to better define problems and reasons for non-compliance. For this reason, compliance rates of targeted programs are typically lower than the marketplace in general.
• Normally applying only to very specific cases and to implicated parties, compliance is assessed for the purposes of prosecution for non-compliance. Investigations involve gathering evidence and information from a variety of sources considered relevant to a suspected violation or offence.

The compliance approach chosen by the CFIA is based on risk. Where compliance rates appear in this report, the approach used to assess compliance is noted.

2.1.2 Linking Compliance to Performance Targets

Performance targets set the “bar” for overall compliance across the range of the CFIA’s programs. In some instances, the CFIA has set performance targets under 100 percent to account for the Agency’s risk-based inspection approach, which focuses effort on areas of highest risk.

The CFIA works toward seeking that regulated parties achieve fullest compliance with program, regulatory and legislative requirements. However, given the complexity and inherent variability of the agri-food and fisheries production, processing, and distribution sectors, some degree of non-compliance is inevitable. Given its risk-based approach, the CFIA focuses its efforts on systems, processes, and facilities that have the most direct effect on safety of food. The CFIA’s working assumption is that as industry improves compliance, food safety risks will diminish.

2.1.3 Performance Targets

Performance targets provide a basis for measuring the performance of regulated parties and the CFIA against expected results set by the Agency. Targets used in this Performance Report were established in 2005–2006 for all critical program areas based on either historical averages of actual performance or on expected results of effective programming (e.g., rate of industry compliance with regulatory standards). For the purposes of this report, we have assessed the extent to which performance has been met or exceeded and identified opportunities for improvement when performance has fallen below the target. In terms of compliance rates, the CFIA considers performance +/- 1% to be considered met.

When interpreting performance information, it is important to consider that the CFIA uses various approaches to assess compliance ranging from monitoring activities to targeted interventions. Targets for monitoring programs are set differently than those for target specific areas of non-compliance.

Throughout the report, the target symbol is used to identify performance information and analysis for each of the Agency’s ongoing fiscal targets.

2.1.4 Fair and Reliable Performance Reporting

The CFIA is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of its data and to providing fair and reliable performance information. Performance data in the Agency are collected and managed using different methods and procedures, thus placing constraints on data quality. To this end, the Agency is continuing to look at ways to improve upon the overall efficiency and quality controls around performance data with a view to providing consistent data for performance reporting.

As a first step in this process, in 2006–2007, the Agency conducted a review of certain data systems and the management controls in place to ensure data quality. Table 2–1 highlights the Agency’s Rating Summary of Data Systems & Process Controls for the data used in this report, where assessments have been completed.

Where reviews have not been completed, data has been noted as “Pending” and readers are advised to take this into consideration when interpreting that data. The Agency will continue to review remaining data systems, improve upon management controls, and present those findings in future Performance Reports.

Table 2–1: Overview of Data Systems and Process Controls Ratings
Data Systems and Process Controls Rating	Definition	Number of Data Systems and Process Controls
Good	Has clearly defined policies and procedures in place	14
Reasonable	Has compensating controls in place to make up for lack of defined policies/procedures	8
Weak	Has no defined policies/procedures or compensating controls in place	1
Pending	Review of data system has not yet been completed	16

2.1.5 Auditor General’s Assessment of Performance Information

The Auditor General’s assessment of CFIA’s performance information is presented in Section 2.1.5 of this report. This performance information, which is presented in Section 2.2, has not been audited; the assessment is done only at a review level of assurance. The Auditor General’s audit opinion on the CFIA financial statements is presented in Section 3.2.2 of this Performance Report. The audited statements are also presented in Section 3.2.2. The Auditor General has not assessed or audited other sections of this report

2.2 Performance by Strategic Outcome

Performance information is based on the CFIA’s Program Activity Architecture (Section 1, Figure 3) and aligned with the commitments presented in the CFIA’s 2007–2008 Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP).

In the CFIA’s 2007–2008 RPP, the Agency committed to delivering detailed plans in support of strategic outcomes, priorities, and expected results. These plans were a combination of ongoing activities, risk mitigation strategies, and special initiatives. Risk mitigation strategies are targeted initiatives aimed at minimizing and managing risks that could impair the Agency’s ability to achieve expected results. In 2007–2008 the CFIA moved forward on 18 key risk mitigation strategies, which are detailed further in Section 3.1 and depicted by the symbol. Each has been instrumental in the Agency’s success in mitigating risks and contributing to its strategic outcomes.

2.2.1 Strategic Outcome 1: Protection from preventable health risks related to food safety or the transmission of animal diseases to humans

Figure 4: Reporting Framework for Strategic Outcome 1
Government of Canada Outcome	Healthy Canadians
Strategic Outcome	Protection from preventable health risks related to food safety or the transmission of animal diseases to humans
Expected Results	Food leaving federally registered establishments for interprovincial 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
Key Strategic Risks	Foodborne Illness					Emergence and/or spread of animal diseases that affect humans (zoonoses)
2007–2008 Priorities	Improving regulatory compliance					Continuing with the CFIA’s high state of preparedness and response for avian influenza (AI) and other zoonotic and plant diseases and pests
Program Activities	Food Safety and Public Health

Financial Resources
Planned Spending ($ millions)	Authorities ($ millions)	Actual Spending ($ millions)	Proportion of Actual Agency Spending (%)
352.4	377.7	405.9	59%
Human Resources
Planned Resources (FTEs)	Authorities (FTEs)	Actual Resources (FTEs)	Proportion of Actual Agency Resources (%)
3,616	3,641	3,846	61%

The CFIA contributes to the Government of Canada outcome Healthy Canadians through the advancement of the strategic outcome:

Protection from preventable health risks related to food safety or the transmission of animal diseases to humans.

This Strategic Outcome is supported by one Program Activity: Food Safety and Public Health

Protecting human health is the CFIA’s highest priority. As a key contributor to the Government of Canada’s integrated approach to population health, the CFIA, in partnership with other federal departments and agencies, and provincial and municipal partners, protects Canadians from preventable health risks related to unsafe food or to the transmission of animal diseases to humans (“zoonoses”). Such health risks may be caused by a range of factors including microbial pathogens, undeclared allergens, and chemical contaminants in the food supply or by animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as BSE or AI. Additionally, the CFIA aids consumers by providing information for making safe and healthy food choices and purchasing decisions.

The CFIA measures its performance on this strategic outcome through the achievement of the following expected results:

• Food leaving federally registered establishments for interprovincial 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

Performance against plans and priorities is presented per the CFIA’s Program Activity Architecture, under the program activity Food Safety and Public Health.

Table 2–2 identifies the CFIA’s expected results and performance indicators for this program activity, reports 2007–2008 performance against these expectations, and provides trend information to set performance in context with that of previous years.

Table 2–2: Summary of Performance Information for Food Safety and Public Health
Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Previous Performance		2007–2008 Performance		Met Not Met
		2005–2006	2006–2007	Perfor-mance	Target
Food leaving federally registered establishments for interprovincial and export trade or being imported into Canada is safe and wholesome.8	Extent to which federally registered establishments inspected comply with federal food safety requirements.	3 of 4 targets met	3 of 5 targets met	5 of 5 targets met	≥ 98% compliance	Target met in all 5 programs
	Extent to which domestic and imported food products comply with each test criterion for federal chemical residue requirements.	6 of 7 targets met	5 of 7 targets met	6 of 7 targets met	≥ 95% compliance	Target met in 6 of 7 programs
Food safety incidents in non-federally registered facilities and food products produced in them are addressed.	Extent to which projects are developed to address major health risks identified through the science committee process in the area of chemical, microbiological, allergen and nutritional hazards.9	88%	94%	100%	Inspection strategies are developed to address 100% of major health risks identified through the science committees.
Food safety recalls and incidents are contained in a timely and appropriate manner.	Time taken to issue Class I recall public warnings.10	100%	100%	100%	100% are issued within 24 hours of a recall decision.
Animal diseases that are transmissible to humans are effectively controlled within animal populations.	BSE sample collection10	57,768	55,420	58,177	In full accordance with the guidelines recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Animal diseases that are transmissible to humans are effectively controlled within animal populations.	# of BSE disease incidents11	0	0	0	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.12	97%	97%	97%	≥ 97% compliance
	Extent to which cattle tagging is compliant with the regulations for animal identification.11	99%	99%	99%	≥ 97% compliance
Decision making related to food safety, nutrition and public health is supported by sound, sufficient, and current Agency regulatory research.13

Expected Result: Food leaving federally registered establishments for interprovincial and export trade or being imported into Canada is safe and wholesome.

To ship certain products interprovincially or internationally, notably meat, fish and seafood, shell eggs, certain processed products, and dairy products, food processing plants must be federally registered. This means that each establishment is subject to a registration process to confirm that critical systems and controls are in place. The CFIA inspects these plants regularly to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Table 2–2 summarizes performance information for this expected result. Tables 2–3 and 2–4 provide further details on performance by food program. By meeting or exceeding 17 of 18 targets, the CFIA improved its performance from its last reporting period. High levels of compliance in this area during 2007–2008 provide assurance that the risks to food safety in the registered sector were minimized.

Table 2–3: Federally Registered Establishment Compliance Rates by Food Program
Program	# of federally registered establishments as of March 31, 2008	Results			Targets	Met
		2005–2006	2006–2007	2007–2008	2007–2008
Meat14	748	87%	99%	99%	98%
Fish and Seafood15	882	99%	99%	99%	98%
Processed Products14	560	97%	96%	99%	98%
Shell Egg15	245	98%	99%	99%	98%
Dairy14	278	86%	97%	100%	98%

Table 2–4: Chemical Residue Testing Compliance by Food Program
Program	Results			Targets	Met Not Met
	2005–2006	2006–2007	2007–2008	2007–2008
Meat16	96%	97%	96%	95%
Fish and Seafood17	98%	96%	95%	95%
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables16	99%	97%	95%	95%
Processed Products16	99%	100%	99%	95%
Honey16	94%	92%	84%	95%
Shell Egg*16	93%	87%	97%*	95%
Dairy16	99%	99%	97%	95%

* Chemical residue testing is only conducted on shell egg, as these eggs are used in the shell egg market as well as for processing.

In addition to inspecting food-processing establishments, the CFIA tests registered commodities to confirm that they comply with applicable food safety standards relating to chemical residues. Health Canada establishes regulations (under the Food and Drugs Act) and policies related to chemical residues in foods. The CFIA’s monitoring, surveillance, and compliance activities verify industry compliance against these standards. As shown in Table 2–4, high levels of compliance in chemical residue testing during 2007–2008 provide assurance that the risks to food safety in the registered sector from chemical residues were minimized. Additionally, meat compliance rates have increased from 87% in 2005–2006 to 99% in 2007–2008. This is attributable to the introduction of the more demanding Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system introduced to the meat and slaughter processing industries in December 2005. The lower rates in 2005–2006 indicated that the industry was still adjusting to the new system in its earlier years. The CFIA also introduced new control standards and inspection approaches for dairy in 2005–2006, after which, industry made necessary adjustments. Following the adjustment period, compliance rates have remained consistent for the past two years.

CFIA observed a continued decline in compliance for the Honey Program. Unlike other products listed in Table 2–4, maximum residue levels (MRL), which are established by Health Canada, have not been set for honey. The absence of established MRLs for honey means that any finding of chemical residue is considered a violation of compliance. Compliance rates in 2007–2008 were impacted by changes to the assessment criteria for butyric acid, a chemical used in bee repellents, resulting in more positive test results being considered as violations. Additionally, starting in 2007–2008, more sensitive test methods were used, causing more positive results to be detected. For every violation, the potential impact of the residue on the health of Canadians is assessed. No public health threats have been identified as a result of reduced compliance rates.

In 2007–2008, the CFIA enhanced its ability to safeguard the food supply by improving its ability to detect potential threats to public health. Laboratories are continuously developing and implementing new and improved methods to detect pathogens, toxins, allergens, and pesticide and veterinary drug residues in food more efficiently and effectively.

The Agency made significant progress on information systems and compliance verification measures by improving upon the technical systems that support its regulatory activities. Furthermore, the CFIA continued to build effective relationships with industry and other levels of government to develop and implement key programs such as the On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) inspection.

Notwithstanding the successes outlined here, the Agency has identified some challenges and lessons learned. HACCP is mandatory in the fish, seafood, and meat and poultry sectors. Under the quality management program, fish processors have comprehensively implemented HACCP regimes in their facilities. HACCP adoption, on a voluntary basis, continues across all commodity inspection programs, including processed products, eggs, dairy and honey.

Expected Result: Food safety incidents in non-federally registered facilities and food products produced in them are addressed.

The non-federally registered food sector covers a wide and diverse range of food products, including but not limited to infant foods, alcoholic beverages, bakery products, bottled water, and beverages. The establishments that produce these products are not federally registered. The jurisdiction for inspection of non-federally registered food establishments is shared between the CFIA and provincial/territorial governments. To this end, the CFIA continues to actively participate in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Food Safety Committee to enhance food safety surveillance of domestic and imported foods and to improve food safety coverage and measures for the non-federally registered sector.

Integral to assessing non-registered products and facilities in Canada are scientific committees. These committees consist of food safety experts from the CFIA, Health Canada and other federal and provincial departments and agencies. They identify, evaluate and prioritize potential food safety issues. The CFIA’s related performance target is to develop inspection strategies to address 100 percent of the major health risks identified through the science committees. In 2007–2008, the CFIA met this target by developing inspection and sampling strategies for known manufacturers and importers of non-federally registered foods identified as a high or medium priority by the science committee.

FOOD AND CONSUMER SAFETY ACTION PLAN Further to the fall 2007 Speech from the Throne and Budget 2008, the Government is moving forward on its agenda to improve food and consumer product safety with the multi-year implementation of a robust Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan (FCSAP). For its role in the FCSAP, the CFIA will aim to improve food safety by working with industries, provinces and territories to implement preventative food safety control measures along the food chain; put in place tools to better identify importers, track imports and work with foreign authorities to verify the safety of foods at their country of origin; and, increasing the CFIA’s authority to monitor risks to Canadians and prevent unsafe products from entering the Canadian marketplace.

Expected Result: Food safety recalls and incidents are contained in a timely and appropriate manner.

The Agency develops and implements programs, services, and outreach activities to ensure that food safety emergencies are managed effectively. 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.

Key to the management of food safety risks is the prompt response of the CFIA to situations requiring a Class 1 recall. A Class 1 recall is carried out when there is a reasonable probability that the consumption of, or exposure to, a food product in violation of standards will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Health Canada prepares an assessment that indicates there is a risk to the public and warrants a Class 1 recall. Aiming to minimize and mitigate the number of foodborne illnesses, the CFIA makes every effort to issue a public warning within 24 hours of the recall decision. For the third consecutive year, the CFIA met the target 100 percent of the time¹⁸.

In 2007–2008, the CFIA effectively managed several high profile recall incidents including Escherichia coli in ground beef, salmonella in cantaloupes, listeria in sandwiches, and salmonella in chocolate. For more information regarding Food Recall incidents please visit the CFIA’s website: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/recaltoce.shtml

DID YOU KNOW? The CFIA’s website (http://www.inspection.gc.ca) enables you to search by keyword, date, product or company name and browse through food product recalls dating back to 2003. At http://www.inspection.gc.ca, you can join the many other Canadians who subscribe to receive the CFIA’s e-mail notifications to be kept apprised of food recalls and allergy alerts.

Expected Result: Animal diseases that are transmissible to humans are effectively controlled within animal populations.

To protect the health of Canadians, it is critical that the CFIA carry out timely and effective surveillance, detection, and control activities for zoonotic diseases. When the presence of a reportable disease is confirmed in Canada, the CFIA minimizes the spread of infection by implementing disease-specific biosecurity measures, including quarantines and movement controls. When eradication activities are necessary, the CFIA ensures humane destruction and appropriate disposal of affected animals, thereby minimizing the risk that susceptible livestock are exposed to potential sources of infection.

CFIA continues to place much focus on controlling BSE. CFIA’s success in achieving its goals in this area is critical for animal and public health, for domestic and international confidence in the integrity of Canada’s food safety programs, and for the economy. In 2007–2008, the CFIA continued efforts to strengthen Canada’s response to BSE by introducing the Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB). The EFB is a set of regulations that prohibits certain cattle tissues, which are capable of transmitting BSE from infected animals, from all animal feeds, pet food, and fertilizers.

Table 2–2 presents performance measurements for this expected result.

The CFIA continued its BSE surveillance activities, resulting in the detection of three cases in 2007–2008. As with previous years, the detection of these cases did not change any of Canada’s BSE risk parameters and was wholly consistent with the experience of other BSE-affected countries. The detection of three cases is within established guidelines set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for countries recognized as “controlled risk” countries, and is therefore not considered as outside accepted parameters. For more information, please visit the following link: http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/en_mcode.htm

In the fall of 2007, the CFIA detected a case of the highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza on a farm in Saskatchewan. Through the execution of a rapid and well-organized response which included the humane depopulation of the flock, and surveillance and control of the movement of flocks within surrounding areas, the CFIA, successfully contained the spread of the virus. This resulted in minimal disruption to trade and the lifting of most restrictions for the movement of flocks within five weeks after detection of the disease.

THE CFIA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION BY THE OIE In May 2007, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) designated two more CFIA laboratories as international reference labs. Designations have been given for scrapie and chronic wasting disease. The OIE also re-affirmed Canada to be free of two highly contagious diseases of livestock—foot and mouth disease and rinderpest—and recognized Canada as one of six BSE “controlled risk” countries. This classification is testament to the efforts led by the CFIA in conjunction with the provinces and industry over the last four years to address BSE. It further validates the science-based approach the Agency has taken since 2003 including surveillance, food safety protection, and animal identification. A feed ban task force worked closely with key players in the beef industry and all provinces to ensure the smooth roll-out of the new requirements with the hope to eradicate BSE in about 10 years. To learn more about the Agency’s new measures and continued efforts to manage BSE, please visit http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/bseesb/bseesbindexe.shtml.

2.2.2 Strategic Outcome 2: Protection of consumers through a fair and effective food, animal, and plant regulatory regime that supports competitive domestic and international markets.

Figure 5: Reporting Framework for Strategic Outcome 2
Government of Canada Outcome	Fair & Secure Marketplace
Strategic Outcome	Protection of consumers through a fair and effective food, animal, and plant regulatory regime that supports competitive domestic and international markets
Expected Results	The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of international rules, standards, and agreements through international negotiations.	Transparent, outcome-based, and science-based domestic regulatory framework is maintained.				The Agency applies sound and current science to the development of national standards, operational methods, and procedures.				Deceptive and unfair market practices are deterred.				Other governments’ import requirements are met.				Decision making related to regulatory develop ment and review, deterring unfair practices and export is supported by sound, sufficient, and current Agency regulatory research.
Key Strategic Risks	Domestic Regulatory Framework			International Regulatory Framework						Demand for New/Enhanced Services								Program Design
2007–2008 Priorities	Moving forward on key regulatory initiatives					Improving regulatory compliance				Supporting the agenda for innovation, competitiveness, and productivity
Program Activities	Science and Regulation

Financial Resources
Planned Spending ($ millions)	Authorities ($ millions)	Actual Spending ($ millions)	Proportion of Actual Agency Spending (%)
93.7	99.3	74.0	11%
Human Resources
Planned Resources (FTEs)	Authorities (FTEs)	Actual Resources (FTEs)	Proportion of Actual Agency Resources (%)
1,336	1,336	729	11%

The CFIA contributes to the Government of Canada outcome: A fair and secure marketplace through the advancement of the strategic outcome:

Protection of consumers through a fair and effective food, animal, and plant regulatory regime that supports competitive domestic and international markets.

A fair and secure marketplace is one that is able to maintain and enhance consumer confidence and create a competitive business environment. The CFIA is committed to ensuring that its legislative and regulatory base protects consumers’ and producers’ rights as well as the natural environment while supporting high standards for a safe, fair, and secure trading system.

The Agency promotes strong, coherent, and science-based regulation, both domestically and internationally. A strong export certification program for food, animals, and plants maintains and enhances consumer confidence abroad, which contributes directly to open borders and 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.

The CFIA measures its performance of this strategic outcome through the achievement of the following expected results:

• The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of international rules, standards and agreements through international negotiations.¹⁹
• Transparent, outcome-based and science-based domestic regulatory framework is maintained.¹⁹
• The Agency applies sound and current science to the development of national standards, operational methods and procedures.¹⁹
• 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.²⁰

Performance against plans and priorities is presented per the CFIA’s Program Activity Architecture, under the program activity, Science and Regulation.

This program activity focuses on maintaining the integrity of the CFIA’s regulatory policy, inspection, and certification activities as well as developing science-based standards, operational methods, and procedures. The application of science-based rules in a predictable, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner contributes to safe food, healthy plants and animals, and a protected environment. The following table identifies the CFIA’s expected results and performance indicators for this program activity, reports 2007–2008 performance against these expectations, and provides trending information to set performance in context.

Table 2–5: Summary of Performance Information for Science and Regulation
Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Previous Performance		2007–2008 Performance		Met Not Met
		2005– 2006	2006– 2007	Perfor-mance	Target
The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of international rules, standards and agreements through international negotiations.21
Transparent, outcome-based and science-based domestic regulatory framework is maintained.21
The Agency applies sound and current science to the development of national standards, operational methods and procedures.21
Deceptive and unfair market practices are deterred.	Extent to which seed establishments and private labs inspected comply with federal requirements.22	N/A	99%	99%	≥ 95% compliance
	Extent to which non-pedigreed seed samples comply with CFIA quality standards.22	86%	88%	87%	≥ 85% compliance
	Extent to which pedigreed seed samples comply with CFIA quality standards.22	92%	93%	93%	≥ 95% compliance
	Extent to which pedigreed seeds tested complies with standards for varietal purity.23	99%	98%	99%	≥ 99% compliance
Other governments’ import requirements are met	Extent to which certified food shipments meet the receiving country’s import requirements24	99%	99%	99%	≥ 99% meet requirements
	Extent to which plant export shipments meet the receiving country’s phytosanitary requirements.23	99%	99%	100%	≥99% of plant export shipments meet the import requirements
Decision making related to regulatory development and review, deterring unfair practices and export is supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research.25

Expected Result: The Agency contributes to the development and implementation of international rules, standards and agreements through international negotiations.

The CFIA works bilaterally and multilaterally with a number of national and international partners to remain at the forefront of scientific developments and to advance sound, science-based decision making. Agency researchers strive to keep abreast of changing technologies and regulatory requirements by developing methods and diagnostic tools that support compliance and enforcement, and participate in negotiation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures that facilitate trade. International rules and standards form the basis for regulating imports and exports of products that could pose a risk to food safety, consumer protection, and animal and plant health.

The CFIA’s participation in international forums promotes the Canadian experience, objectives, and use of the best available scientific knowledge in the development of international agreements, arrangements and standards. Through harmonization of standards in accordance with the OIE, the Agency made gains for Canada in the resolution of sanitary technical market access issues on breeding cattle exports to Mexico. Concurrently, the Agency ensures that international agreements, arrangements and standards are reflected in standards here in Canada.

Expected Result: Transparent, outcome-based and science-based domestic regulatory framework is maintained.

A strong, coherent, outcome-based and science-based health and safety regulatory framework will help Canadian consumers enjoy a wide variety of safe, high-quality products; help protect the environment; and help address impediments to market access using a science base.

The Government of Canada is committed to continuous improvement of the federal regulatory system to make it more transparent, accountable and adaptable to new technologies, emerging threats, and changing public priorities. The CFIA supports this commitment by working in partnership with the Community of Federal Regulators to identify best practices.

The CFIA regulations are regularly reviewed for currency, relevance, and consistency with the Government of Canada’s Federal Regulatory Policy, which seeks to ensure regulations reflect and are responsive to the needs of Canadians. Further, the Agency coordinates, collaborates, and enters into agreements with other levels of government to ensure Canada’s food, animal, and plant inspection systems function harmoniously and support a more effective North American food and agriculture regulatory system.

Engaging stakeholders is central to developing and implementing regulatory frameworks successfully and to ensure regulations are fair, balanced, and responsible to the needs of Canadians and regulated parties. Several Agency groups have used consultative frameworks to advise on regulatory policy and program changes. In particular, the Fertilizer Program’s consultative framework has received wide support from stakeholders and is being looked to as a model for other areas within the Agency.

Expected Result: The Agency applies sound and current science to the development of national standards, operational methods, and procedures.

The CFIA relies on science as the basis for designing and delivering its programs and as an essential component of its regulatory decision making. Science is pivotal to dealing with emerging issues such as safety assessments of new biotechnology-derived products and issues related to AI 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 makes an integral contribution to regulatory policy and standards development, not only in Canada, but worldwide.

The CFIA also works closely with other science-based departments and agencies (SBDAs) to advance integration on initiatives that touch on multiple government mandates. As part of the federal science and technology (S&T) community, the CFIA actively works with other SBDAs to develop a common vision for science and innovation within the federal government. Additionally, the Agency collaborates with SBDA’s to develop solutions to national challenges and opportunities, which will help manage risk and strengthen linkages between science and policy. The CFIA also continues to play a lead role in overcoming barriers to S&T collaboration, identified in the interdepartmental review and subsequent report, Overcoming Barriers to S&T Collaboration.

Expected Result: Deceptive and unfair market practices are deterred.

The CFIA’s regulatory regime incorporates activities designed to deter deceptive and unfair practices in the marketplace. With a focus on consumer packaging and labelling, seed production, plant breeding, and trading practices for dealers of fresh fruit and vegetables, the CFIA makes every effort to balance its approach towards protecting consumer health and promoting fair market competition.

PRODUCT OF CANADA LABELLING Canada’s food supply is increasingly global in nature and many Canadians are seeking clearer information about the foods they buy to help them make more informed decisions. The current food labelling guidelines, unchanged since the 1980s, do not clearly reflect the actual Canadian content in foods sold in Canada. Canadians have told us that they expect "Product of Canada" to mean truly Canadian content. Under the revised guidelines, a "Product of Canada" label means that both the contents and processing of food must be Canadian. A "Made in Canada" label means that products can contain imported ingredients as long as they are manufactured or processed in Canada. In May and June 2008, the Government of Canada held consultations with Canadians and stakeholders on the guidelines for "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" claims on food labels. The results of these consultations 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 revised guidelines will help Canadians make informed choices about the products they are purchasing.

Table 2–5 presents performance information for this expected result, showing that compliance levels remained consistent with those of previous years. Three of four seed program targets have been met; however, compliance levels for pedigreed seed with quality standards continue to be below targets. This can be explained by changes in sampling methodology (an increase in targeted versus random sampling).

In addition to the above, the CFIA strives to protect consumers from deceptive practices relating to net quantity, composition, adulteration, absence of mandatory label information, nutrition labelling, bilingualism, and misleading claims. Taking a risk-based approach, the CFIA inspects products and establishments determined as posing the greatest risk for non-compliance. In 2007–2008, the CFIA observed a compliance rate of 79 percent²⁶. As sampling is directed toward areas of highest risk, this compliance rate is not indicative of marketplace compliance in general. However, it does signal a slight improvement in compliance from previous years.

The CFIA also monitors compliance to new regulations concerning nutrition labelling, nutrient content claims, and diet-related health claims. Following the development of inspection tools and tools to assist industry in implementing these new regulations, the CFIA observed a compliance rate of 87 percent²⁷. As sampling was directed toward areas of highest risk, this compliance rate is not indicative of marketplace compliance in general. The Agency will continue to monitor compliance during 2008–2009.

Expected Result: Other governments’ import requirements are met.

The integrity and credibility of 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. The CFIA continues to meet export demands by moving towards system-based certification programs. The Agency, working with industry and interested stakeholders, continues to develop and maintain export certification standards (which vary from country to country and commodity to commodity), conduct inspections, issue export certificates, and accredit third parties to carry out competent testing.

In 2007, the CFIA facilitated the export of over $23.5 billion (source: Industry Canada) in plant and plant products, meat, fish, seafood, and egg. The CFIA’s programs covering the above commodities are delivered using regulations, policies, programs and stakeholder education/outreach to ensure industry complies with the associated export requirements of foreign countries. Table 2–5 shows that compliance levels remained consistent with those of previous years and all targets were met where performance is reported.

As import/export activities increase, so too does the demand for more efficient certification processes and services. In response, the CFIA began working with trading partners internationally to identify opportunities to streamline the certification process. In June 2007, the CFIA launched an import e-certification system for trade of meat.

2.2.3 Strategic Outcome 3: A sustainable plant and animal resource base

Figure 6: Reporting Framework for Strategic Outcome 3
Government of Canada Outcome	Strong economic growth
Strategic Outcome	A sustainable plant and animal resource base
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 and forests				Entry and domestic spread of regulated animal diseases are controlled				Industry complies with federal acts and regulations regarding Canada’s livestock				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
Key Strategic Risks	Entry and/or spread of regulated plant and animal pests and diseases that affect the resource base
2007–2008 Priorities	Improving Regulatory Compliance			Moving forward on key regulatory initiatives						Continuing with the CFIA’s high state of preparedness and response for avian influenza (AI) and other zoonotic and plant diseases and pests
Program Activities	Animal and Plant Resource Protection

Financial Resources
Planned Spending ($ millions)	Authorities ($ millions)	Actual Spending ($ millions)	Proportion of Actual Agency Spending (%)
111.7	140.0	160.9	24%
Human Resources
Planned Resources (FTEs)	Authorities (FTEs)	Actual Resources (FTEs)	Proportion of Actual Agency Resources (%)
1,147	1,150	1,571	25%

The CFIA contributes to the Government of Canada outcome Strong economic growth through the advancement of the strategic outcome: A sustainable plant and animal resource base.

Increasingly, governments recognize that our economic and social well-being are contingent on the health and sustainability of our natural resources—including water, forests, aquatic life, and agriculture. The Government of Canada’s commitment to sustainable economic growth recognizes that Canada’s traditional industries such as forestry and agriculture have long been anchors of the nation’s economy. Industries based on natural resources provide jobs to hundreds of thousands of Canadians and support hundreds of communities across the country.

The CFIA contributes to this government priority by promoting a sustainable plant and animal resource base. This work involves protecting Canada’s crops, forests, livestock, and aquatic animals from regulated pests and diseases, and assessing the environmental sustainability of new products derived through enabling technologies, such as biotechnology.

The CFIA measures its performance of this strategic outcome through the achievement of the following 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 and forests.
• Entry and domestic spread of regulated animal diseases are controlled.
• Industry complies with federal acts and regulations regarding Canada’s livestock.
• 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.³

The Strategic Outcome is supported by one Program Activity: Animal and Plant Resource Protection.

Animal and Plant Resource Protection includes protecting Canada’s livestock, crops, and forests from regulated pests and diseases including invasive alien species; and regulating agricultural products, including products of biotechnology.

The following table identifies the CFIA’s expected results and performance indicators for this program activity, reports 2007–2008 performance against these expectations, and provides trending information to set performance in context.

Table 2–6: Summary of Performance Information for Animal and Plant Resource Protection
Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Previous Performance		2007–2008 Performance		Met Not Met
		2005–2006	2006–2007	Perfor-mance	Target
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 in the Regulated Pest List for Canada).28, 29	4 entries	2 entries	3 entries	No entry of new regulated diseases and pests through regulated pathways.
	Change in the presence of plant diseases or pests beyond the regulated areas.28	Some increase	Some increase	Increase30	No increase attributable to human activity.
	Extent to which annual planned pest surveys are completed in accordance with CFIA pest specific detection protocols.28, 31	100%	100%	100%	100% of the overall annual planned pest surveys are completed or deemed acceptable per CFIA pest specific detection protocols.
Industry complies with federal acts and regulations regarding Canada’s crops and forests.	Extent to which bulk-blend fertilizers comply with efficacy standards and fertilizer-pesticide samples tested comply with safety standards (non-biotechnology product).32	82%	78%	83%	≥95% compliance rate for bulk blend fertilizer samples tested based on efficacy standards (non-biotechnology product).
		61%	69%	65%	≥95% compliance rate for fertilizer-pesticide samples tested based on safety and efficacy standards (non-biotechnology product).
	Extent to which fertilizers and supplement sample test (heavy metal, pathogen, and pesticide contamination) comply with safety standards33	96%	95%	92%	≥95% compliance rate for fertilizer and supplement samples tested (heavy metal, pathogen, and pesticide contamination) based on safety standards.
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).34	None	None	None	No evidence of entry of new regulated animal diseases into Canada through regulated pathways.
	Change of animals (domestic) with regulated animal disease found in Canadian herds/flocks.34	Some increase	Some increase	No Increase35	No increase
Industry complies with federal acts and regulations regarding Canada’s livestock.	Extent to which feed mills comply with the Feed Ban (without major deviations)36	96%	94%	91%	≥ 95% compliance
	Extent to which feed mills comply with the Feeds Act including the Feed Ban (without major deviations).36	NA	82%	75%	≥ 96% compliance
	Extent to which feed renderers comply with the Feed Ban (without major deviations)36	93%	100%	96%	≥ 93% compliance
	Extent to which feed renderers comply with the Feeds Act including the Feed Ban (without major deviations).36	N/A	100%	95%	≥93% compliance
Agricultural products meet the requirements of federal acts and regulations.	Extent to which confined field trials of PNTs comply with CFIA requirements.37	94%	94%	96%	≥ 90% compliance
	Extent to which fertilizers and supplement sample tests comply with efficacy standards (novel supplements).37	92%	96%	95%	≥ 95% compliance
Decision making, including regulation, in regards to animal and plant health are supported by sound, sufficient and current Agency regulatory research.38

Expected Result: Entry and domestic spread of regulated plant diseases and pests are controlled.

Ultimately, the CFIA’s goal is to mitigate the risks of new regulated pests and plant diseases entering Canada. Table 2–6 presented performance measurements for this expected result. Certain challenges are inherent in achieving these targets. The following section discusses these challenges and the work the CFIA is doing to address them.

The CFIA’s role in protecting the plant resource base involves preventing the entry, establishment, and domestic spread of plant diseases as well as regulating fertilizers and plant supplements. Plant diseases and pests that enter Canada from other countries can be devastating. Eradicating these diseases is difficult and requires consultation with stakeholders and scientific experts, inspection, surveys, and pest removal.

The vast number of commodities, plant pests, and globalization of the trade of plants and plant products make it impossible to achieve absolute prevention of the entry of new regulated plant pests and diseases into Canada. The CFIA works with key partners, such as the Canada Border Services Agency who conducts border inspections, trade partners who issue phytosanitary certificates claiming compliance of imported materials, as well as the travelling public (to whom CFIA awareness campaigns are targeted) who may import materials which may not be compliant with regulations. When the Agency confirms that the pest or disease has been detected, it responds quickly by investigating the risk posed to Canada’s plant resource base and by developing strategies for control and eradication.

Controlling the spread of plant pests and diseases that are already established in Canada is another way in which the CFIA helps protect Canada’s crops and forests. In 2007–2008, the Agency focused efforts on a National Plant Health Strategy, while developing standards, guidelines, and new detection methods and tests to contain potential threats.

DID YOU KNOW? Introduced plant pests like the emerald ash borer, the Asian longhorn beetle, and the brown spruce longhorn beetle pose a significant threat to Canadian forests. The emerald ash borer was first detected in Windsor, Ontario, in 2002, but is now present in seven counties and municipalities in Ontario and was recently discovered in Quebec. Emerald ash borers are extremely difficult to detect, and, once established, very difficult to control. The CFIA is now working with the Canadian Forest Service and the city of London to study an innovative new product called Neem (a natural product extracted from the seeds of the Neem tree that kills the larvae of the borer) as a possible tool to manage the insect in urban settings. Until science can provide effective control tools, such as Neem, the CFIA continues to regulate the movement of high-risk materials such as ash materials and firewood of all species to prevent the spread of the pests in Canada. To learn more about the emerald ash borer and other plant pests as well as what you can do to help, please visit http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/pestravae.shtml

The Agency monitors established pests through surveys; conducts inspections, audits, sampling, and testing of Canadian plants, plant products, and soil; and applies timely and strict quarantine actions in cooperation with other levels of government. The CFIA recognized an increase in the spread of previously identified plant pests and diseases from the previous year and was successful in eradicating or controlling 3 of the 9 pests identified during the year.³⁹ While it is impossible for the CFIA to control the spread of pests and diseases caused by natural mechanisms, such as wind or the movement of wildlife, the Agency relies on regulated parties and the general public to not move regulated materials from an infested to a non-infested area.

This includes the use of farming practices which minimize the spread of pests via farm equipment, as well as key outreach campaigns to build awareness regarding the movement of materials such as firewood. These activities are critical for preventing the movement of pests and diseases to other parts of Canada and maintaining or restoring market access.

The CFIA made progress on managing the spread of the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) by reaching an agreement with the U.S. early in 2008 on revised PCN guidelines, and is conducting follow-up investigations and delimitation surveys. The PCN is a plant pest whose spread, if left uncontrolled, has the potential to cause significant damage to potato crops that could translate to significant economic losses in pest management expenses and market access interruptions. Close linkage between CFIA laboratories and the CFIA’s emergency management programs enables the CFIA to prioritize sampling activities to ensure that producers have the necessary certification in time for shipment to the U.S.

Expected Result: Industry complies with federal acts and regulations regarding Canada’s crops and forests.

The CFIA protects Canada’s crops and forests by regulating plant supplements and fertilizers. The Agency inspects products at blending and manufacturing plants as well as retail outlets and warehouses. It also routinely assesses and samples fertilizers and supplements to verify that they meet Canada’s standards for safety (for heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens). Education, awareness, and outreach activities complement these efforts to facilitate industry compliance.

The CFIA verifies that domestic and imported fertilizer and supplemental products sold in Canada comply with the Fertilizers Act and Fertilizers Regulations with respect to efficacy, product guarantees, and contamination levels. Low compliance levels within the fertilizer program over the past few years had prompted the Agency to further engage with stakeholders and adjust fertilizer sampling and monitoring strategies to target areas of chronic non-compliance. As shown in Table 2–6, compliance levels for both bulk-blend fertilizers complying with efficacy standards, and fertilizer-pesticide samples complying with safety and efficacy standards, continue to be below established targets. This said, an increase in compliance has been observed since last year. The CFIA has been in discussions with the Canadian Fertilizer Products Forum (CFPF) for the past several years to identify root causes of non-compliance and options for improvement. The CFIA will continue working with the CFPF and industry to ensure that compliance rates continue to improve.

Compliance targets relating to pesticide contamination of fertilizer and supplement products were not met in 2007–2008, and have shown a slight downward trend over the past three years. As part of its efforts to improve compliance rates, the CFIA has created a new pesticide contaminant inspection program aimed at the lawn care industry. The CFIA has also increased the sampling for pesticide residues to better monitor industry compliance.

Expected Result: Entry and domestic spread of regulated animal diseases are controlled.

Canada’s ability to market animals, animal products, animal by-products, and livestock feed depends on the absence of serious epizootic diseases (epidemics in animal populations). It also depends on the confidence of consumers and international officials in Canada’s commitment to protect animal, human, and ecosystem health. Controlling animal disease requires early recognition of a new disease or any change in the prevalence of existing diseases in Canadian herds or flocks.

In 2007–2008, efforts were directed at enhancing the CFIA’s ability to detect and respond to animal disease by improving or expanding protocols, building a better understanding of disease ecology, and improving testing methods. Early detection is critical to managing the entry and spread of animal pests and diseases into Canada. While CFIA continues to develop faster and more effective tests, it is also dedicating resources to the characterization of key threats to Canada’s animal populations. Lessons learned have indicated that these efforts are very costly and resource intense, which make it impossible for the CFIA to further this agenda on its own. To this end, the Agency is collaborating with key national and international partners, including regulatory and science-based organizations and international standard setting bodies.

The CFIA conducts disease surveillance as part of the Canadian Animal Health Network (a nationwide network of veterinarians and provincial and university diagnostic laboratories). It also exchanges disease intelligence regularly with other nations and international organizations to establish collaborative approaches to common challenges. Further, under the Health of Animals Act, animal owners, veterinarians, and laboratories are required to immediately report to the CFIA any animals that are suspected of being affected by certain diseases.

Table 2–6 shows that the CFIA met its target relating to the entry of new regulated animal diseases and recognized a slight decline in the change of animal diseases found in domestic herds and flocks. The CFIA’s surveillance approach to prevent the entry and spread of animal disease targets the highest risk animals and regions and, in some cases, benefits from the very strong participation of producers. The small decrease in animal diseases is mostly attributable to the reduction in the number of domestic cases of rabies reported from 2006–2007 to 2007–2008.

Expected Result: Industry complies with federal acts and regulations regarding Canada’s livestock.

The CFIA contributes to the safety of its animal resource base by verifying that livestock feeds manufactured and sold in Canada or imported into Canada are safe, effective, and labelled appropriately. This effort includes inspecting feed mills and rendering facilities to monitor feeds for medication and contamination as well as reviewing labels and approving ingredients.

The CFIA focusses its efforts on the risks associated with commercial feed manufacturers and rendering establishments where, as primary suppliers of inputs for livestock feeds, contaminants can be disseminated rapidly in the feed chain. The CFIA reports performance specific to major deviations which could pose a risk to either human or animal health and are relevant to the protection of Canada’s livestock. As presented in Table 2–6, the CFIA observed achievement in two out of four targets.

Follow-up inspections of non-compliant feed mills, although in progress and slated for completion in the coming months, were not complete as of the end of the reporting period. This contributed, in part to lower than expected rates of compliance of feed mills with respect to the Feeds Act including the Enhanced Feed Ban. Additionally, the CFIA has been working with stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of the feed inspection protocol and follow-up to non-compliance through initiatives such as the Feed Inspection Harmonization Project. It is anticipated that once improvements have been made, compliance rates will improve over time.

Expected Result: Agricultural products meet the requirements of federal acts and regulations.

Livestock feeds, fertilizers, supplements 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, efficacy and proper labelling before they can be registered for sale in Canada. Fertilizer and supplement products that are exempt from registration and do not require pre-market assessment are still monitored for compliance with prescribed standards.

As demonstrated in Table 2–6, the CFIA met both of its established targets for this expected result. The CFIA continues to work with industry and other stakeholders in efforts to maintain high levels of compliance. The CFIA also continued to engage in consultation and policy development in the key area of plant biosafety, including adventitious presence (unintentionally present biotechnology derived material in seeds, grains, oilseeds, livestock feed and food).

2.2.4 Strategic Outcome 4: Security from deliberate threats to Canada’s food supply and agricultural resource base

Figure 7: Reporting Framework for Strategic Outcome 4
Government of Canada Outcome	A strong mutually beneficial North American partnership
Strategic Outcome	Security from deliberate threats to Canada’s food supply and agricultural resource base
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
Key Strategic Risks	Emergency preparedness and response		Emergence and/or spread of animal diseases that affect humans (zoonoses)
2007–2008 Priorities	Continuing with the CFIA’s high state of preparedness and response for avian influenza (AI) and other zoonotic and plant diseases and pests
Program Activities	Public Security

Financial Resources
Planned Spending ($ millions)	Authorities ($ millions)	Actual Spending ($ millions)	Proportion of Actual Agency Spending (%)
81.6	97.3	40.5	6%
Human Resources
Planned Resources (FTEs)	Authorities (FTEs)	Actual Resources (FTEs)	Proportion of Actual Agency Resources (%)
365	365	181	3%

The CFIA contributes to the Government Outcome A strong, mutually beneficial North American partnership, through the advancement of the strategic outcome; Security from deliberate threats to Canada’s food supply and agricultural resource base.

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 its 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 emergencies including potential terrorist threats.

The CFIA measures its performance of this strategic outcome through the achievement of the following 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. 40

The Strategic Outcome is supported by one Program Activity: Public Security

Activities under this program contribute to public security and agri-food security. In 2005–2006, the CFIA implemented aspects of Public Safety Canada’s National Emergency Response System. This will be the last year the Agency reports on this particular strategic outcome and program activity, given that the system was fully implemented in 2006–2007. The text that follows identifies the CFIA’s continued activities supporting Public Safety.

Expected Result: The Agency is in a state of readiness for an effective, rapid response to emergencies.

Emergency response is a challenging, shared responsibility that can involve numerous federal departments, provinces and territories, 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 respond quickly and effectively to an emergency involving food safety, animal disease or plant pests. Effective inter-organizational links are key to the CFIA’s integrated response. For example, under the Health of Animals Act, the CFIA is responsible for responding to foreign animal disease outbreaks in Canada. Given that some such outbreaks can spread rapidly and transmit to humans, controlling and eradicating them could require extraordinary resources from stakeholders such as the provinces and territories. To this end, the CFIA, in partnership with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, has been actively recruiting for the Canadian Veterinary Reserve (CVR) and conducts regular simulated emergency exercises, which provide opportunities for emergency responders and their organizations to build competencies.

Expected Result: The Agency has the capacity to respond to emergencies.

The 2001 Federal Budget allocated funds for public security and anti-terrorism (PSAT) activities to improve security for Canadians. The CFIA has been working to increase its capacity to respond to emergencies through strengthened surveillance and detection, science and laboratory capacity, and border controls. PSAT funding for surveillance and early-detection activities supplements the Agency’s regular funding for monitoring food, animal, and plant commodities.

In 2007–2008 the CFIA maintained strong partnerships to respond effectively in emergency situations. These efforts included participating on intergovernmental working groups for laboratory preparedness and working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency in support of controls at border points. The CFIA advanced several initiatives in support of this expected result. Of particular importance is building capacity through training, improving methodologies, and enhanced infrastructure. To facilitate the preparedness of the Agency’s labs to manage the deliberate introduction of a disease or chemical agent, the Agency worked with provinces, the U.S. and Mexico to establish uniform test methodologies and training. The CFIA also participates on intergovernmental working groups for laboratory preparedness.

DID YOU KNOW? Recruitment for the Canadian Veterinary Reserve (CVR) began in 2006 in order to assist governments in responding to animal health emergencies such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters. A reserve of 100 to 150 personnel is the initial target with numbers increasing over subsequent years to a final reserve population of 300 to 500 personnel. Additional capacity will also serve to augment Canada’s ability to collaborate at the international level to address emerging risks at their source, without compromising its operational and business continuity obligations domestically. In 2007, orientation and training of the initial reservists began. (Key partners – Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Provinces, Provincial Veterinary Associations and Registrars, PHAC, PSEPC, and PSC).

 

 

⁸ Foods are considered safe and wholesome when they are free from pathogens, toxins, allergens, pesticides, veterinary drug residues and other contaminants.

⁹ Data Systems & Controls: Weak

¹⁰ Data Systems & Controls: Good

¹¹ Data Systems & Controls: Good

¹² Data Systems & Controls: Reasonable

¹³ 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.

¹⁴ Data Systems & Controls: Pending, assessment has not been completed

¹⁵ Data Systems & Controls: Good

¹⁶ Data Systems & Controls: Good

¹⁷ Data Systems & Controls: Reasonable

¹⁸ Data Systems & Controls: Good

¹⁹ 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.

²⁰ 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.

²¹ 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.

²² Data Systems & Controls: Pending, assessment has not been completed

²³ Data Systems & Controls: Pending, assessment has not been completed

²⁴ Data Systems & Controls: Good

²⁵ 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.

²⁶ Data Systems & Controls: Good

²⁷ Data Systems & Controls: Pending, assessment has not been completed

²⁸ Data Systems & Controls: Pending, assessment has not been completed

²⁹ Data reporting the identification and prevention of plant pest entry into Canada is collected through CFIA surveys and inspections as well as public notification to the CFIA. All CFIA findings are posted by the CFIA on the North American Plant Protection Organization pest alert website.

³⁰ For clarity of reporting on the spread of plant pests and diseases, in 2007–2008 the Agency has simplified its reporting by reporting an “increase” where the target has not been met and “no increase” when the target has been met.

³¹ This indicator has been modified in order to better reflect the importance of completing surveys according to established protocols. Previous year’s indicators focused on the number of surveys completed against plan.

³² Data Systems & Controls: Reasonable

³³ Data Systems & Controls: Reasonable

³⁴ Data Systems & Controls: Pending, assessment has not been completed

³⁵ For reporting purposes in fiscal year 2007–08, the Agency tracked the number of cases of domestic rabies, bovine tuberculosis and scrapie. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports the number of cases of other reportable diseases in Canada and around the world on their website (http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public.php?page=home).

³⁶ Data Systems & Controls: Reasonable

³⁷ Data Systems & Controls: Pending, assessment has not been completed

³⁸ 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.

³⁹ Even when spread occurs, the degree of spread varies from occurrence to occurrence. Once plant diseases and pests are identified, the CFIA continues active surveillance of infected areas.

⁴⁰ 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.

 

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