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Horizontal Initiatives

1. Name of Horizontal Initiative:

Early Childhood Development (ECD) Strategy for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children.

2. Name of Lead Department(s):

Health Canada (HC)

3. Lead Department Program Activity:

First Nations and Inuit Health Programming and Services

4. Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

ECD component - October 2002.
Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) component- December 2004

5. End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

ECD component - ongoing.
ELCC component - ongoing

6. Federal Funding Allocation:

ECD: $320 million 2002-03 to 2006-07 ($60 million in 2002-03 and $65 million thereafter). Ongoing: $65 million per year.

ELCC: $45 million 2005-06 to 2007-08 ($14.5 million in 2005-06; $15.3 million in 2006-07; $15.2 million in 2007-08). Ongoing: $14 million per year.

7. Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The ECD Strategy for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children was announced on October 31, 2002. The Strategy provides $320 million over five years to: improve and expand existing ECD programs and services for Aboriginal children; expand ECD capacity and networks; introduce new research initiatives to improve understanding of how Aboriginal children are doing; and work towards the development of a "single window" approach to ensure better integration and coordination of federal Aboriginal ECD programming. 

In December 2004, as first phase of a "single window", Cabinet approved an additional $45 million over three years (beginning fiscal year 2005-06) and $14 million ongoing to improve integration and coordination of two ECD programs-- Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) and the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI).

The objectives of these funds are to increase access to and improve the quality of ELCC programming for First Nations children on reserve, and improve integration and coordination between the two programs through joint planning, joint training and co-location. 

The Strategy also includes Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)-funded child/day care programs in Alberta and Ontario.

8. Shared Outcome(s):

The ECD component complements the September 2000 First Ministers F/P/T ECD Agreement. It seeks to address the gap in life chances between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children by improving the developmental opportunities to which Aboriginal children (and their families) are exposed at an early age (0-6 years).

The ELCC component complements funding released to provinces and territories under the March 2003 Multilateral Framework for Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) to improve access to ELCC programs and services.

9. Governance Structure(s):

The ECD component complements the September 2000 First Ministers F/P/T ECD Agreement. It seeks to address the gap in life chances between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children by improving the developmental opportunities to which Aboriginal children (and their families) are exposed at an early age (0-6 years).

The ELCC component complements funding released to provinces and territories under the March 2003 Multilateral Framework for Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) to improve access to ELCC programs and services.


($ millions) Note: all funding ECD unless identified as ELCC
10. Federal Partners 11. Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) 12. Names of Programs for Federal Partners 13. Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) 14. Planned Spending for 2008-09 15. Actual Spending for 2008-09 16. Expected Results for 2008-09* 17. Results Achieved in 2008-09
Health Canada
Electronic Link:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
fniah-spnia/famil/
develop/
ahsor-papa_intro-eng.php
First Nations and Inuit Health Programming and Services a. Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) $107.595 (2002-03 through to 2006-07;
$21.519/
year).
$21.519/
year ongoing.

Committed in 2002.
$21.519 $23.896
(ECD and ELCC)
Program expansion and enhan-
cement

Increase integration, coordination, access, and quality
The number of outreach programs (i.e. providing AHSOR programming to children and families in their homes) was increased and existing centre-based programming supplemented with new outreach activities and home visiting.

In 2008-09, FNIHB increased training of community AHSOR staff and completed a study of the status of AHSOR capital facilities to understand community capital requirements.

Working with our partner departments, we completed a series of 17 interdepartmental pilot projects (8 projects coordinated by INAC in 2008-09) to improve integration and coordination among AHSOR, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's (HRSDC) FNICCI, and INAC funded daycares in Alberta and Ontario.
ELCC
$24.000 (2005-06 through to 2007-08,
$7.500 in 2005-06, $8.300 in 2006-07;
$8.200 in 2007-08).
$7.500 in 2008-09 and ongoing

Committed in 2005.
$7.500
Electronic Link:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
fnih-spni/famil/
preg-gros/
intro_e.html
b. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - First Nations and Inuit Component (FASD-FNIC) $70.000 (2002-03 through to 2006-07;
$10.000 in 2002-03 and $15.000 thereafter).
$15.000/
year ongoing.

Committed in 2002.
$15.000 $11.013 Program expansion and enhan-
cement
Program enhancements undertaken in 2008-09 include pilot implementation of evidence-based models for community coordinators, continued support for mentoring projects including training activities for community-based workers, initiation of a review of the mentoring program including early outcomes, improved linkages with Non-Governmental Organizations such as the Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres, and reviews of evidence-based approaches to support program delivery.
c. Capacity Building $5.075
(2002-03 through to 2006-07;
$1.015/
year).
$1.015/
year ongoing.

Committed in 2002.
$1.015 $1.086 Increased capacity As part of the 2002 ECD capacity-building component, Health Canada provides funding to build capacity and expertise relating to early childhood development to National Aboriginal Organizations. In 2008-09, funds were provided the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Native Women's Association of Canada. As well, INAC is providing annual funding to Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. In 2008-09, funding enabled these organizations to contribute to the development of the ECD Strategy through strategic planning and capacity building in their own organizations.

Funding from the ECD component also continued to support the development of an Aboriginal service providers' network named the Aboriginal Children's Circle of Early Learning (ACCEL). During 2008-09, ACCEL was updated and maintained by the National Aboriginal Health Organization.

Horizontal training funding was provided to regions to support training for ECD workers in AHSOR and FNICCI sites. A working group with representation from AFN, INAC, HC and HRSDC is working to develop a laddered ECD training strategy that will lead to culturally appropriate certification of providers of early learning and child care programming for First Nations children living on reserve, and supports coordination between AHSOR, FNICCI and INAC funded daycares in Alberta and Ontario. A document to guide the Horizontal Training Strategy was completed in 2008-09 and work to implement the strategy will continue in 2009-10.
PHAC
Electronic Link:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
dca-dea/
programs-mes/
ahs_main_e.html
Child and Adolescent Health Promotion a. Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) $62.880 (2002-03 through to 2006-07;
$12.576/ year and ongoing.

Committed in 2002.
$12.576 $11.368 Program expansion and enhancement by increasing number of special needs and parental outreach workers; enhance special needs training; serve another 1000 children Special needs requirements, curriculum development, training and capacity requirements have been identified.
b. Capacity Building $2.500 (2002-03 through to 2006-07; $0.500/year) and ongoing

Committed in 2002
$0.500 $ 0.236 Horizontal coordination, engagement and development of tools and resources to build capacity Collaboration on special needs;
development; Delivery of National ECD Training;
Contribution on horizontal ECD activities
HRSDC
Electronic Link:

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/
eng/employment/
aboriginal_
employment/
childcare/
index.shtml
Lifelong Learning - Health Human Resources (HHR) a. First Nations and Inuit child Care Initiative (FNICCI) $45.700 (2002-03 through to 2006-07; $9.140/year) and ongoing.

Committed in 2002
$9.140 $15.640 (ECD and ELCC) Program expansion and enhancement

Increase program integration, coordination, access and quality.
Approximately 8,500 child care spaces in 462 First Nations and Inuit sites through 58 Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA) holders
ELCC
$21.000 (2005-06 through to 2007-08; $7.000/year). $6.500/ year ongoing.

Committed in 2005
$6.500
Electronic Link:

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/
eng/hip/sd/
300_UEYInfo.shtml
  b. Research and Knowledge $21.200
(2002-03 through to 2006-07); $4.240/year and ongoing.

Committed in 2002
$4.240 $2.700 Information on the well-being of Aboriginal children through an Aboriginal Children's Survey (ACS) and the Aboriginal component of "Understanding the Early Years" (UEY) The results of the Aboriginal Children's Survey of 2006 were released in October 2008. This first-time national survey provides information on the development and well-being of First Nations children living off-reserve, Métis children and Inuit children under the age of six.

The project with the Prince Albert Grand Council, under the Understanding the Early Years Initiative (UEY), engaged the community and started its data collections. Several other UEY projects included activities for Aboriginal children and their families
INAC The people- social development a. Family Capacity Initiatives $5.050 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07; 1.010/year)
2007-2008 and ongoing.

Committed in 2002.
$1.010 $0.999 Enhance strategic partnerships (measured by number of early childhood development interdepartmental pilot projects) Undertook eight Early Childhood Development interdepartmental pilot projects ending March 31, 2009
Total ECD
(2002-03 to 2006-07): $320.000
($60.000 in 2002-03 and $65.000/year thereafter); $65.000/year ongoing.
ECD: $65.000/
year ongoing.
$66.938 (ECD and ELCC)    
ELCC
(2005-06 to 2007-08):
$45.000
($14.500 in 2005-06; $15.300 in 2006-07; $15.200 in 2007-08); and $14.000/year ongoing.
ELCC: $14.000
/year ongoing.

18. Comments on Variances:

Planned spending represents the total program budget including departmental corporate costs. Actual expenditures are net of corporate costs, resulting in an over-estimation of variances.

Actual spending for HC FASD and AHSOR may be underestimated in regions where funding for FASD and AHSOR is integrated or clustered with that of other programs.

19. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

N/A

20. Contact information:

Cathy Winters, Senior Policy Coordinator
Children and Youth Division
Community Programs Directorate
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: (613) 952-5064
E-mail: cathy_winters@hc-sc.gc.ca


1. Name of Horizontal Initiative:

Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan (the Action Plan)

2. Name of Lead Department(s):

The lead is shared between Health Canada (HC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

3. Lead Department Program Activity:

  • HC: Health Products, Consumer Products, Food Safety, and Pesticide Regulation;
  • CFIA: Food Safety;
  • PHAC: Health Promotion, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, and Infectious Disease Prevention and Control;
  • CIHR: Strategic Priority Research.

4. Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

Fiscal Year 2008-2009.

5. End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

Fiscal Year 2012-2013 (and ongoing).

6. Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date):

$489.4 million over five years ending in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 (and $126.7 million ongoing).

7. Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The federal government is responsible for promoting the health and safety of Canadians. A key part of this role is ensuring that the products used by Canadians are safe. Adverse consequences associated with unsafe products impact not only the Canadian public, but also the Canadian economy. The Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan (Action Plan) is a horizontal initiative aimed at modernizing and strengthening Canada's safety system for food, health and consumer products. A number of recent high-profile incidents, such as lead and ingestible magnets in children's toys, food borne diseases in fresh produce, and the global withdrawal of some prescription medicines, have underscored the need for government action.

The Action Plan modernizes Canada's regulatory system to enable it to better protect Canadians from unsafe consumer products in the face of current realities and future pressures. The Action Plan bolsters Canada's regulatory system by amending or replacing outdated health and safety legislation with new legislative regimes that respond to modern realities, and by enhancing safety programs in areas where modern legislative tools already exist. The Action Plan ensures that Canadians have the information they need to assess the risks and benefits associated with the consumer and health products they choose to use, and to minimize risks associated with food safety.

The Action Plan is an integrated, risk-based plan and includes a series of initiatives that are premised on three key pillars: active prevention, targeted oversight and rapid response. We focus on active prevention to avoid as many incidents as possible and work closely with industry to promote awareness, provide regulatory guidance, and help identify safety concerns at an early stage. Targeted oversight provides for early detection of safety problems and further safety verification at the appropriate stage in a product's life cycle. To improve rapid response capabilities and ensure the government has the ability to act quickly and effectively when needed we work to enhance health risk assessments, strengthen recall capacity, and increase the efficiency in responding and communicating clearly with consumers and stakeholders.

In addition to addressing the concerns outlined above, the Action Plan provides a platform for Canada to actively participate in the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), in particular by supporting commitments to increase the safety of imported products within North America. It also enables Canada to better align with US standards, which will have a positive impact on consumer confidence and the business climate.

8. Shared Outcome(s):

  • Increased knowledge of food risks and product safety (scientific and surveillance/monitoring);
  • Increased industry awareness and understanding of regulatory requirements;
  • Increased industry compliance with safety standards;
  • Increased consumer awareness and understanding of safety risks associated with health and consumer products and food;
  • Strengthened oversight and response to safety incidents;
  • Increased consumer confidence in health and consumer products and food;
  • Increased trade-partner confidence in Canadian controls, which meet international standards
  • Increased availability of safe and effective products; and
  • Level playing field where imports can be demonstrated to meet Canadian requirements.

9. Governance Structure(s):

The Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have joint responsibility and accountability for results, and for providing information on progress achieved by the Action Plan.

A Governance Framework has been established and endorsed by all of the partner departments/agencies. To facilitate horizontal coordination, the following Director General (DG)/Executive Director (ED) level Task Forces have been established: Health Products Task Force, Consumer Products Task Force, Food Task Force, Communications Task Force, and the Legislative and Regulatory Task Force. The Task Forces report to a DG/ED level Coordinating Committee. An Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM)/Vice President (VP) level Steering Committee provides direction to the Coordinating Committee. An Oversight Committee of Deputy Heads facilitates the provision of high level guidance to the Steering Committee.

Health Canada's Strategic Policy Branch (SPB) provides the Secretariat function for the Action Plan and plays an integral role in supporting the ongoing operation and decision-making of the governance committees, oversight and integration of performance against commitments, and advice to senior management. SPB is also the lead for coordinating the implementation of the legislative and regulatory initiatives.

Health Canada's Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), along with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), work together to implement Action Plan activities related to consumer products.

Health Canada's Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) has primary responsibility for implementing Action Plan activities related to health products with support from Health Canada's Strategic Policy Branch (SPB) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) on one initiative (increased knowledge of post-market drug safety and effectiveness).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Health Canada's Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) work together to implement Action Plan activities related to food safety.

The Public Affairs, Consultation and Communications Branch (PACCB) provides communications support for all of the above activities and will coordinate or lead many of the horizontal Departmental activities under the Consumer Information Strategy.


($ millions) Note: all funding ECD unless identified as ELCC
10. Federal Partners 11. Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) 12. Names of Programs for Federal Partners 13. Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) 14. Planned Spending for 2008-09 15. Actual Spending for 2008-09 16. Expected Results for 2008-09* 17. Results Achieved in 2008-09
Health Canada Health Products Active Prevention 57.6 13.9 14.00 Improved timeliness of pre-market reviews
  • For brand name pharmaceuticals and generic drug submissions, 87% of the 482 submissions met the approved service standards. This percentage is close to meeting the standard of 90% of drug submissions to be reviewed within the approved timelines.
  • For biologic submissions, 96% of the 102 submissions met the approved service standards, exceeding the standard of 90%.
  • For Medical Device Class II, III and IV type applications, 73% of the 6,523 submission reviews met the approved service standards (missing the standard of 90% of Class II, III, IV medical device applications within the approved timelines).
Increased awareness and understanding of the safe use of health products by consumers and health care professionals
  • 102 risk communications, advisories/warnings were posted on the Health Canada and Med Effect Canada websites.
  • In collaboration with Health Canada, Marketed Authorization Holders (MAHs) issued 60 risk communications, advisories/warnings and are posted on the Health Canada and Med Effect Canada websites.
  • CD-ROMs were developed and distributed to stakeholders on "HPFB Overview and Key Publications" and 2 e-learning modules have been developed and currently under review on: "How drugs make their way to Canadians" and "How health products are regulated in Canada". These modules will eventually be distributed to patient and consumer stakeholders.
  • A Consumer Information Bureau has been created to provide a standardized approach to consumer communications, centralized development of policies and tools, and ongoing communications guidance.
  • Several outreach campaigns or activities were conducted:
    • "A cough and cold" campaign related to cough medicine and children ran from December 2008 to the spring of 2009. Distribution partnerships with nurses, pharmacies, child care centres, Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), college of family physicians were established to make information available to consumers in many venues.
    • A campaign directed at consumers and health professionals to promote the Med Effect system for adverse reaction reporting was launched.
    • News Canada articles on natural health products were produced and will eventually be released in community papers and on websites.
Targeted Oversight 34.6 2.1 1.75 Enhanced capacity of HC and industry to identify and respond to risk issues
  • 152 Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) Level 1 Screening and 35 PSURs Level II Full Reviews were reviewed. PSURs are standard reports used internationally by regulatory authorities to systematically monitor the safety of marketed drug products.
  • A total of 4 new signals were specifically derived from PSUR review in 2008-09.
Increased knowledge of post-market drug safety and effectiveness to inform decisions
  • In accordance with the implementation plan for the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network (DSEN), initial funding in 2008-2009 was applied to support establishment of program infrastructure, as opposed to directly funding projects addressing priority research areas. Preliminary work was thus undertaken to develop processes that will support the generation and dissemination of new research knowledge on real world safety and effectiveness of drugs. In 2008-2009, progress on this preliminary work included identification of priority research topics by Health Canada and initial staffing of the network coordinating office by CIHR.
Rapid Response Existing Resources Existing Resources Existing Resources Improved ability to respond with better tools when safety incidents occur
  • Implementation of modern compliance and enforcement tools (e.g., recall authorities, increase in fine and penalties) will be more effective in deterring non-compliance once the legislation to modernize the Food and Drugs Act is reintroduced to Parliament. This reintroduced legislation will allow a better oversight of drug products as committed in the 2008 Speech from the Throne.
Consumer Products Active Prevention 41.0 1.5 0.84 Increased awareness and understanding of product safety obligations and standards and regulatory requirements by industry
  • Existing industry guidance documents updated and distributed (e.g., Guide for Surface Coatings, Second Hand Products Booklet, Consumer Chemicals Retailer Fact sheet & Children's Sleepwear).
  • Preliminary work on transitioning from Hazardous Products Act to the new Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (e.g., industry guidance on new legislative and regulatory obligations).
  • Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to support the national standards system.
  • Contract with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to develop an ISO Guideline on Product Safety.
  • Task group formed through National Public Safety Advisory Council to develop a national approach to electrical product safety.
Increased awareness and understanding of consumer product safety issues by consumers
  • Subscriptions to the Consumer Product Safety Recall website increased from 5000 to 6600 in 2008-09. The data indicates that there continues to be an increasing number of Canadians who are becoming aware of consumer product safety issues.
  • Public opinion research conducted in 2008-09 to establish consumer awareness baseline.
  • A Consumer Information Bureau has been created to provide a standardized approach to consumer communications, centralized development of policies and tools, and ongoing communications guidance.
  • Update to product safety website to include new user friendly electronic news letter (link: Consumer Product Safety News).
Targeted Oversight 15.7 0.6 0.22 Improved timeliness and quality of information and data on consumer product safety incidents
  • Legislative authorities for mandatory reporting of product safety incidents drafted.
  • Incident form has been created, guidance documents and policies to support industry reporting developed.
  • The initial planning phase for mandatory reporting IT system completed.
  • Revamped website for Canadians to find timely information about recalled consumer products (link: Consumer Product Recalls).
Increased sharing of information, data and knowledge with international regulators
  • Monthly communications with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continue, 3 joint recalls; work-plans for Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China drafted; participation on international committees/caucuses continues.
More and better data on accidents, injuries, illnesses and deaths due to consumer products
  • Continuation of development of National Coroners' Database through collaboration with Provincial and Territorial Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners and Statistics Canada. Data quality assessment is underway. MOUs for data sharing are being finalized, in anticipation of joint preparation of first annual report in 2009-2010.
  • Arrangements to expand the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, with one more facility ready to begin data collection on April 1, 2009.
Rapid Response 17.9 0.9 1.10 Improved legislative authority and regulatory tools
  • New Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) drafted and tabled in Parliament (link: Bill C-6).
Improved risk-based monitoring of consumer products
  • Increased capacity (regional product safety officer) for compliance and enforcement activities.
  • Of the 6 product categories, 3 resulted in similar compliance rates (88.3% compliant) as the previous cycle, indicating that non-compliance continues to exist in lead in surface paint of toys and in children's jewellery, bedding textiles.
  • The decrease in compliance rates (72.6% compliant) for Halloween costumes, second hand children's products was attributed to the emergence of new materials, and the high turnover in the marketplace of retailers.
  • Introduction of a new complaints protocol procedure to ensure timely response to consumer product safety issues (link: Report Your Consumer Product Complaint).
Pesticide Regulation Active Prevention 6.9 0.6 0.30 Increased industry (manufacturers and retailers) awareness of risks and related regulatory requirements
  • Progress made towards development of a formal risk management strategy, including the drafting of a compliance risk assessment template to be incorporated into decision-making process.
  • Conducted program (registrant inspection) that included assessing a selected sample of industry representatives to determine their level of knowledge of new regulatory requirements and to collect information related to risk factors (e.g., lack of quality control program linked to non-compliance).
  • Updated analysis of implicated consumer products and industry including the following metrics (April 2009): 414 registrants; 1975 registered domestic class products; 1601 to Canadian registrants.
  • More than 300 discount retail stores were interviewed to confirm retailer knowledge of regulatory requirements and to check for the presence of consumer pesticides. It was concluded that an ongoing outreach strategy would be needed to support compliant behaviour. A review of marketplace inspections (2003-2006) was conducted.
  • Consultations were held with the following stakeholder groups in the interest of strengthening existing partnerships: FPT, US EPA, CCSPA, CBSA and PMAC. Consultations will continue in 2009-10. Extensive discussions were held with a key retailer regarding textiles treated with pesticides, claiming antimicrobial properties. Note: This key retailer has a voluntary code of conduct re: compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
  • Outreach: PMRA began targeted outreach activities in 2008/09 by focussing efforts on areas of immediate concern. In support of this targeted approach, PMRA created a homemade pesticide fact sheet, and a beg bug pest note.
Rapid Response 8.0 0.7 0.70 Improved monitoring of pest management products using a risk management approach
  • 274 individual situations of known or suspected non-compliance were investigated to determine if there were violations of Pest Control Products Act and Regulations. This resulted in 413 confirmed violations involving 133 products. Most of these were addressed with an education letter as the corrective action.
  • Work was done to update an existing database to track consumer product non-compliance and provide a basis for more accurate reporting.
  • A number of adverse effects related to pet products were reported through the Incident Reporting program. Follow up included an investigation and analysis of product to confirm that the cause was not compliance related. A product advisory was issued and follow up is underway to pin point the source of the problem with the registrants.
  • Lab method development work was initiated related to the analysis of products that were the object of a complaint or detected non-compliance.
  • Updated Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP) Regulations were drafted to reflect the new Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), awaiting publication in Canada Gazette I.
Food Nutrition Active Prevention 29.6 3.3 3.23 Establishment of the appropriate instrument or mix of instruments, including regulatory and non-regulatory measures (standards, policies, etc.) to address immediate areas of concern
  • 13 guidance/educational tools and documents were developed with respect to allergens, toxins, emerging food borne pathogens and bioactives.
  • As well, 4 standards, frameworks and policies were modified or developed for the FCSAP high priorities areas (allergens, natural toxins, emerging food borne pathogens and bioactives).
Rapid Response 1.3 0.2 0.18 Increased public understanding of food safety risks, alert systems and safety systems
  • Consumer education was rolled out through mechanisms such as nationwide distribution of newspaper inserts in a variety of publications.
  • Information on food recalls was increased through media relations, web information, news releases and fact sheets.
  • Targeting of at-risk populations and key stakeholders was enhanced through partnerships, alternate languages and non-traditional media, e.g., the development and translation of information on melamine into Chinese dialects.

The following consists of number of hits in 2008-2009 for Health Canada's food product information sites:

Canadian Food and Inspection Agency Food Safety Active Prevention 114.2 14.3 8.37 Increased understanding of food safety risks by HC, PHAC & CFIA
  • Tri-departmental collaboration on identification of various processes (e.g., risk profiling and prioritization) and tools (e.g., influence diagrams) designed to help assess and set priorities among existing and emerging food safety risks.
  • Modified and applied multi-factorial risk prioritization framework for use by decision makers to prioritize risks.
  • Reviewed and scoped risk assessments and models existing for fresh produce.
  • Targeted surveys were designed and validation of additional laboratory methods was carried out for certain high risk areas including imported ingredients, produce, mycotoxins in cereals, and undeclared allergens.
  • Established SOPs, agreements and contracts for incorporating produce into existing sampling/data analysis activities.
  • Participated at conferences, booths and science forums (including the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference) and developed various promotional material (e.g., information sheets, outbreak summary reports) for training purposes (e.g., Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference); provided demonstrations based on outbreak summary reports to P/T nation-wide.
  • Completed draft narrative reviews of antimicrobial resistance in fish and shellfish and in fruits and vegetables.
  • Initiated sampling of imported and domestic finfish and shellfish in 7 provinces.
  • Initiated tri-departmental discussions on sharing fruit and vegetable samples and isolates.
  • Evaluated and conducted a preliminary implementation of next-generation laboratory methods in collaboration with US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and PHAC Laboratory for Food borne Zoonoses (LFZ).
  • Increased capacity and initiated testing for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing.
  • MOU established between CFIA and PHAC (PulseNet Canada) to provide real-time surveillance and sub-typing of foodborne pathogens.
  • Health Canada/CFIA Working Group was established for targeted surveys, risk mapping and prioritization with respect to food safety.
Increased industry understanding of and engagement in the development and implementation of food safety risk mitigation processes
  • Informal discussions held with industry to share preliminary information and establish key industry contacts.
  • Briefing material including manuscripts, presentations, and technical reports on the four FCSAP priority areas (allergens, natural toxins, emerging foodborne pathogens and bioactives) was developed in plain language.
Increased engagement by Canadians in the regulatory system / Increased industry knowledge regarding food labelling
  • Stakeholder consultations (including consumers) completed in Spring 2008 on revised Product of Canada policy.
  • Communication with industry on how to comply with revised Product of Canada regulations was carried out.
  • Ongoing collaboration with industry throughout pre and post-implementation of revised policy was provided to ensure industry awareness and understanding of requirements and to provide advice on the practical application of these requirements.
Targeted Oversight 77.0 4.2 3.00 Increased verification of industry food safety measures
  • Revised food safety guidelines were developed for further consultation and eventual implementation by industry as part of their preventative strategies.
  • Inspection and sampling frequencies were enhanced in high risk areas.
Improved ability to monitor and control importation of food
  • Preliminary work completed to facilitate the assessment, entry approval and inspection decisions related to imported fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Efforts were initiated to better identify importers and imported food products as well as domestic producers.
  • Border blitz guidelines were finalized, in consultation with CBSA, with the goal of increased interception of non-compliant products prior to distribution in Canada.
Rapid Response 32.2 4.4 3.01 Increased public understanding of food safety risks, alert systems and safety systems
  • Consumer education was rolled out through mechanisms such as nationwide distribution of newspaper inserts in a variety of publications.
  • Information on food recalls was increased through media relations, web information, news releases and fact sheets.
  • Targeting of at-risk populations and key stakeholders was enhanced through partnerships, alternate languages and non-traditional media, e.g., the development and translation of information on melamine into Chinese dialects.
Public Health Agency of Canada Health Promotion Targeted Oversight 4.5 0.27 0.25 More and better data on accidents, injuries, illnesses and deaths due to consumer products
  • Continuation of development of National Coroners' Database through collaboration with Provincial and Territorial Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners and Statistics Canada. Data quality assessment is underway. MOUs for data sharing are being finalized, in anticipation of joint preparation of first annual report in 2009-2010.
  • Arrangements to expand the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, with one more facility ready to begin data collection on April 1, 2009.
Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Targeted Oversight 3.5 0.13 0.13 Engagement of risk assessment stakeholders
  • A plan was developed to disseminate knowledge on injury risks assessment using the Canadian Best Practices Portal.
  • Through the work plan activities and in consultation with the Directorate of Agencies for School Health BC and the Joint Consortium for School Health (JCSH), a contractor was hired to review the JCSH Injury Prevention Scan.
Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Active Prevention 18.3 2.1 1.07 Increased understanding of food safety risks by HC, PHAC & CFIA
  • Tri-departmental collaboration on identification of various processes (e.g., risk profiling and prioritization) and tools (e.g., influence diagrams) designed to help assess and set priorities among existing and emerging food safety risks.
  • Modified and applied multi-factorial risk prioritization framework for use by decision makers to prioritize risks.
  • Reviewed and scoped risk assessments and models existing for fresh produce.
  • Targeted surveys were designed and validation of additional laboratory methods was carried out for certain high risk areas including imported ingredients, produce, mycotoxins in cereals, and undeclared allergens.
  • Established SOPs, agreements and contracts for incorporating produce into existing sampling/data analysis activities.
  • Participated at conferences, booths and science forums (including the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference) and developed various promotional material (e.g., information sheets, outbreak summary reports) for training purposes (e.g., Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference); provided demonstrations based on outbreak summary reports to P/T nation-wide.
  • Completed draft narrative reviews of antimicrobial resistance in fish and shellfish and in fruits and vegetables.
  • Initiated sampling of imported and domestic finfish and shellfish in 7 provinces.
  • Initiated tri-departmental discussions on sharing fruit and vegetable samples and isolates.
  • Evaluated and conducted a preliminary implementation of next-generation laboratory methods in collaboration with US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and PHAC Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses (LFZ).
  • Increased capacity and initiated testing for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing.
  • MOU established between CFIA and PHAC (PulseNet Canada) to provide real-time surveillance and sub-typing of foodborne pathogens.
  • Health Canada/CFIA Working Group was established for targeted surveys, risk mapping and prioritization with respect to food safety.
  • Initiated food-borne outbreak summary module.
Canadian Institute of Health Research Strategic Priority Research Targeted Oversight 27.1 0.00 0.00 -- --
Total $489.4 $49.2 $38.15    

* It should be noted that the above Expected Results (Column 16) reflect immediate outcomes over a multi-year period for the Action Plan. As such, only preliminary progress on these initiatives is anticipated in FY 2008-09.

18. Comments on Variances:

Health Products
In 2008-2009, the targets for the reviews of pharmaceutical and generic drug submissions were missed as a result of submission volume increases, timing of submission filings, increases in pre-submission meetings, and post-market activities such as periodic safety update reports with conditions and health hazard evaluations. With respect to Medical Devices reviews, targets were missed due to a shortage of resources and increases in application volumes.

Health Canada will be able to respond with better tools (e.g., recall authorities, increase in fine and penalties) when safety incidents occur once the legislation to modernize the Food and Drugs Act is reintroduced to Parliament.

Consumer Products
2008-09 resources were allocated to the following high priority areas: i) drafting and tabling of the new Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), ii) increased capacity (regional product safety officers) to support compliance and enforcement activities.

Delays in the tabling of the new CCPSA legislation delayed progress on strategies which were dependant or partially dependant upon the legislation.

Food Safety
The first year of the Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan was considered a "ramp up" year for the CFIA. Significant efforts were put in place to bring on additional capacity and to provide the necessary training for new and re-assigned employees. Additionally, unforeseen events in food safety (i.e. listeriosis outbreak) resulted in the re-direction of expert resources and challenges in our ability to complete various initiatives. Funds lapsed are being carried forward.

19. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

N/A

20. Contact information:

Hélène Quesnel, Director General
Policy Development Directorate
Strategic Policy Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: (613) 952-3484
E-mail: helene_quesnel@hc-sc.gc.ca

Weblinks


1. Name of Horizontal Initiative:

Chemicals Management Plan

2. Name of Lead Department(s):

Health Canada/Environment Canada

3. Lead Department Program Activity:

Sustainable Environmental Health

4. Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

FY 2007-2008

5. End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

FY 2010-2011

6. Federal Funding Allocation:

$299.2 M

7. Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is part of the Government's comprehensive environmental agenda and is managed jointly by Health Canada (HC) and Environment Canada (EC). The activities identified in this plan build on Canada's position as a global leader in the safe management of chemical substances and products, and focus upon timely action on key threats to health and the environment. It includes risk assessment, risk management, monitoring & surveillance, as well as research on chemicals which may be harmful to human health or the environment.

The CMP also puts more responsibility on industry through realistic and enforceable measures, stimulates innovation, and augment Canadian competitiveness in an international market that is increasingly focussed on chemical and product safety.

HC and EC collectively manage the CMP funding and ensure that it is aligned with human health and environmental priorities.

The following program areas were involved in CMP activities in 2008-2009:

In Health Canada:

  • Health Products and Food Branch:
    • Food Directorate
    • Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Directorate
  • Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch:
    • Product Safety Programme
    • Safe Environments Programme
  • Pest Management Regulatory Agency

In Environment Canada:

  • Environmental Stewardship Branch
    • Chemical Sectors Directorate
    • Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Directorate
    • Public and Resources Sectors Directorate
    • Energy and Transportation Directorate
    • Environmental Protection Operations Directorate
  • Science and Technology Branch
    • Science and Risk Assessment Directorate
    • Wildlife and Landscape Sciences Directorate
    • Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate
    • Water Science and Technology Directorate
  • Enforcement Branch
  • Strategic Policy Branch
    • Economic Analysis Directorate

8. Shared Outcome(s):

High-level outcomes for managing the CMP include:

  • Canadians and their environment are protected from the harmful effects of chemicals;
  • identification, reduction, elimination, prevention or better management of chemicals substances and their use;
  • direction, collaboration and coordination of science and management activities;
  • understanding of the relative risks of chemicals substances and options to mitigate;
  • biomonitoring and environmental monitoring of substances;
  • risk assessment and risk management; and
  • informed stakeholders and the Canadian public.

9. Governance Structure(s):

  • HC shares the lead on the CMP with EC. The CMP consists of five inter-related program elements (listed below) to be planned, delivered and evaluated within an integrated framework, managed jointly by HC and EC.

    Governance is assured through a joint HC/EC Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee (CMP ADM Committee) and the Interdepartmental Chemicals Management Executive Committee (CMEC). These Committees were established to maximize the coordination of efforts, while minimizing duplication between the two departments.
  • The CMP ADM Committee provides strategic direction, coordination and a challenge function for the overall implementation and review of results and resource utilization on CMP initiatives. The Committee serves as a high-level forum for making recommendations on chemicals management to respective Deputy Ministers.

The CMEC is the key management committee at the Director General level to support the development of joint EC-HC strategic directions. It is also a formal body for joint consultations and cooperation to ensure timely and concerted actions in implementing the CMP work activities in an integrated fashion. The CMEC reports to the ADM Committee, providing recommendations on program implementation, results and resource utilization.


($ millions) Note: all funding ECD unless identified as ELCC
10. Federal Partners 11. Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) 12. Names of Programs for Federal Partners 13. Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) 14. Planned Spending for 2008-09 15. Actual Spending for 2008-09 16. Expected Results for 2008-09* 17. Results Achieved in 2008-09
Health Canada Sustainable Environmental Health

(Chemicals Management Sub-Activity)
a. Risk Assessment $9.9 M $2.5 M $2.5 M    
b. Risk Management $50.1 M $12.4 M $10.4 M1    
c. Research $26.6 M $5.9 M $2.2 M2    
d. Monitoring & Surveillance $34.0 M $5.3 M $5.3 M    
e. Program Management $5.4 M $1.5 M $1.4 M3    
Consumer Products a. Risk Assessment $12.6 M $2.4 M $2.3 M    
Pesticide Regulation a. Risk Assessment $9.9 M $2.5 M $2.5 M    
b. Risk Assessment $13.6 M $3.3 M $3.3 M    
Pesticide Regulation a. Risk Assessment $3.3 M $0.8 M $0.8 M    
b. Risk Assessment $12.5 M $2.4 M $2.4 M    
c. Research $2.5 M $0.4 M $0.4 M    
d. Monitoring & Surveillance $1.1 M $0.2 M $0.2 M    
Food & Nutrition a. Risk Assessment $3.8 M $0.8 M $0.1 M3    
b. Risk Assessment $6.2 M $1.3 M $1.6 M1    
c. Research $1.2 M $0.3 M $1.0 M1    
d. Monitoring & Surveillance   $1.0 M $0.4 M    
Environment Canada Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances are reduced a. Research $2.1 M $1.5 M $2.7 M    
b. Monitoring & Surveillance $26.4 M $6.9 M $6.9 M    
c. Risk Assessment $13.1 M $3.1 M $3.1 M    
d. Risk Management $64.9 M $16.1 M $15.2 M    
Sub-Total (Environment Canada) $106.5 M $27.6 M $27.9 M2    
Sub-Total (Health Canada) $192.7 M $42.0 M $38.3 M2    
Grand Total: $299.2 M $69.6 M $66.2 M    

16. Expected Results for 2008-2009 (From 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities):

Health Canada:

Increase level of Canadian public awareness of chemical management issues and actions being taken

Risk assessments are conducted and risk management objectives are met for regulations and other control instruments for substances and the products of biotechnology

Declining trends in levels of risk, adverse reactions, illnesses and injuries from toxic chemical substances in the environment and their use and/or the risk of exposure to Canadians

Enhanced knowledge of environmental hazards and evidence on which regulatory decisions are based

Environment Canada:

Direction, collaboration and coordination of science and management activities

Increased knowledge of the risks of toxic chemical substances through research and options to mitigate

Risk assessments conducted in a timely fashion as required

Risk management objectives are met, e.g. effective controls identified and implemented

Enhanced knowledge of stakeholders and the Canadian public regarding risk assessment/management activities, including knowledge on the effectiveness of control actions

Risks to Canadians' health and their environment posed by harmful chemicals are reduced

Canadians and their environment are protected from the harmful effects of chemicals

17. Results Achieved in 2008-2009:

A key component of the CMP is taking immediate action on the 200 highest priority chemicals. Through the "Challenge to Industry", information is being collected that will be used to make decisions regarding the best approach to protect Canadians and their environment from risks that certain substances may pose. These 200 substances were divided up into a number of Batches, to be assessed sequentially by 2010.

All of the CMP Risk Assessments that were scheduled for 2008-2009 were completed. These included the release of the final Screening Assessment Reports for Batches 1 to 3 and the draft Screening Assessment Reports for Batches 4 and 5. In total, draft risk assessment reports were published for 73 substances, or classes of substances, and final assessment reports for 54 substances, or classes of substances. In addition, a draft assessment report on Aluminum salts was published and a list of moderate priorities was developed for consultation. Hazard profiles for three petroleum streams (representing more than 50 high priority petroleum substances) were completed, as well as a draft assessment of heavy fuel oil.

Under the Challenge, the launch of Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) section 71 notices information collection for Batches 6-9 took place. A Compliance Promotion Plan for information gathering initiatives under the CMP is underway. Stakeholder information sessions were held in Halifax, St. John's, Winnipeg and Vancouver to explain the Challenge, including providing guidance on how to submit information and communicating timelines.

The development of risk management options for Challenge substances is on track. Risk management approaches were published for 22 toxic priority substances in three batches (1, 2 and 3), as well as risk management scopes for five potentially toxic substances in two batches (4 and 5). Scientific, legal and economic analyses and enforcement advice is being taken into consideration. Consultations with affected industry stakeholders and the Canadian public will continue throughout the program's life-cycle.

For substances where current exposure is not a risk, but where there are concerns that additional exposure could harm human health or the environment, the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions of CEPA provides for information gathering and assessment prior to the commencement of this significant new activity or use. The implementation of SNAcs for approximately 50 high priority health substances is on-going. Approximately 145 high environmental hazard chemical substances no longer in commerce have been addressed through this process.

The Government of Canada sought advice and input from the CMP Stakeholder Advisory Council (Non-governmental Organizations / Industry) on the implementation of the CMP, and the fostering of dialogue on issues pertaining to the CMP. The Government also sought council from the Challenge Advisory Panel on application of precaution in the CMP Challenge decisions.

Under the CMP Monitoring and Surveillance Fund, 12 multi-year projects were initiated. Preliminary results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) were released, showing a significant decrease in blood lead levels since 1978. Draft background material for the CHMS Exposure Report is under development. Content for CHMS Cycle 2 is developed and finalized, with younger children included in the survey (targeted to begin in the fall 2009).

Health Canada initiated a Canadian maternal infant research study to monitor environmental chemicals in mothers and newborns. Recruitment for the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) project is underway at several sites across Canada. Results of the study will inform risk management decisions and identify potential sources of exposure and predictors of exposure to environmental chemicals.

National programs have been set up to monitor priority compounds in wastewater and landfills and environmental monitoring and surveillance programs of chemicals in air, water, sediments, fish and birds have been integrated and augmented across the country.

An extensive, competitive research program on CMP priorities has been initiated, with $2.5M being allocated in FY2008-2009. The CMP themes and priorities addressed included: effects, exposure, tool/model development, endocrine disrupting compounds, metals, mixtures, perfluorinated alkyl compounds, and medium priority substances (2600 substances) - classes of concern. A directed research program in the amount of $500K to address regulatory-determined gaps in Bisphenol A (BPA) knowledge was initiated as well. All funded projects have been reviewed for progress and recommended for continued funding in 2009-10.

Other CMP activities undertaken in FY 2008-2009 included:

  • Work to determine the list of substances to be included in an inventory update of CEPA's Domestic Substances List of chemicals known to be in Canadian commerce between 1984 and 1986 and work for determining the proposed approach for data collection for the next round of priorities.
  • Ongoing assessment of the 312 substances identified as requiring further screening (out of 1200 lower risk substances that are unlikely, given current evidence, to pose a threat to the environment).
  • Accelerating the re-evaluation of 401 older pesticides, to determine if these pesticides meet today's health and environmental standards (330 (82%) of the 401 older pesticide active ingredients were address as of March 31, 2009.)
  • Registered new pesticide products to replace products and/or uses no longer considered acceptable: fourteen new pesticide active ingredients were registered, four of which were joint reviews or work shares with other jurisdictions.
  • Pesticide companies are now required to report all health and environmental pesticide incidents to Health Canada. To date, over 2,000 pesticide incident reports have been received and posted on the web. Trends are assessed and regulatory action taken, when applicable.
  • Developing regulations and guidelines to address risks posed by toxic substances in existing consumer products and cosmetics, including work on regulations to prohibit BPA in baby bottles.
  • Working closely with stakeholders to finalize and implement a framework to revise the list of more than 9,000 substances used in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act (F&DA) that were in commerce between January 1987 and September 2001, known as the In Commerce List (ICL). Substances on the revised ICL will be categorized, prioritized and undergo health and environmental risk assessments.
  • Consulting with stakeholders to develop Environmental Assessment regulations to address the potential environmental and human health impact of new substances contained in products regulated under the F&DA.
  • Investigation of existing and development, where necessary, of new Best Management Practices (BMPs) to mitigate exposure to the environment of substances/products regulated under the F&DA.
  • Ongoing identification of food related uses and/or occurrence for high priority chemicals completed with refinement proceeding as Challenge progresses.
  • Enhancement of food surveillance activities (planning, implementing, reporting), targeting contaminants of environmental origin to support standard setting.
  • Continued review of current F&DA Regulations relating to contaminants in food underway with efforts to modernize instruments regulating food borne contaminants.
  • Plans for the improvement and expansion of the CMP Web Site have been developed. The Chemical Substances website was managed and maintained timely postings and the development of additional communication products is underway.
  • Public opinion research was conducted which determined that 23% of Canadians have heard of the activities of the federal government on chemicals of which 7% are aware of the CMP.

18. Comments on Variances:

  • $2M was transferred from Sustainable Environment Health (Risk Management) to the Food and Nutrition program to support delivery of food-related risk assessment (additional $0.8M), risk management (additional $0.7M) and monitoring and surveillance (additional $0.5M) given the number of food-related chemicals assessed under CMP this year.
  • $2.5 M in Major Capital was carried over by Health Canada to 2009-2010 and $1.2M in research funding was transferred from HC to EC as part of pooled joint research funds held at Health Canada based on identified research priorities.
  • $100K was transferred from Sustainable Environment Health (Program Management) to the Health Products Program (2.1) to support coordination of input into CMP risk assessments.

19. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

N/A

20. Contact information:

Suzanne Leppinen, Director
Horizontal and International Programs
Safe Environments Directorate
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: (613) 941-8071
E-mail: suzanne_leppinen@hc-sc.gc.ca

Mark Cuddy, Director
Environmental Stewardship Branch Coordination
Environmental Stewardship Branch
Environment Canada
Telephone: (819) 994-7467
E-mail: Mark.Cuddy@ec.gc.ca


1. Name of Horizontal Initiative:

Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation and Improving Access to Pest Management Products.

2. Name of Lead Department(s):

Health Canada (HC)

3. Lead Department Program Activity:

Pest Regulation

4. Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

FY 2002-2003

5. End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

FY 2008-2009

6. Federal Funding Allocation:

$143M

7. Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The initiative is a part of the federal government's commitments as outlined in the Treasury Board submission Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation and Improving Access to Pest Management Products. The Treasury Board submission and its associated Results-based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF) describe the integrated approach by which initiatives will be measured, managed and reported throughout their life cycle. An important element of the commitments made through the Treasury Board submission is that stakeholders and public will be kept informed through a transparent management system. The participating departments will work together for shared outcomes; measure performance on delivery; and review progress achieved. This initiative incorporates efforts of six federal government partners to increase public and stakeholder confidence in the pesticide regulatory system, to protect health and environment, and to increase the competitiveness of the agri-food and forestry sectors. Research and monitoring in the area of pesticides is being coordinated with their regulation.

Under this initiative, the presence and effects of pesticides in the environment, in marine and freshwater ecosystems, and in the forest environment are being monitored. The initiative enhances monitoring and enforcement of pesticide residue limits in foods, in feed, of pesticide residues in fertilizers, and pesticide guarantee verification for fertilizer-pesticide combinations. Reduced-risk pesticides and biological pesticides for forestry are being developed and their use facilitated. Commodity-based risk reduction strategies for the agriculture and agri-food sector are being developed and implemented. Programs improving access to agricultural minor-use pesticides and reduced-risk pesticides for agricultural use are being established. Research to support the introduction of minor-use pesticides that pose a reduced risk to the environment is being conducted. A reporting system to track adverse effects of pesticides has been developed, and information on these effects will be collected and recorded. Collectively, this work is being conducted to achieve public confidence in increased conservation and protection of human health and the environment while contributing to the competitiveness of Canada's agricultural sector.

The information presented in this table has been organized along the following three main themes of this initiative:

  • Research and Monitoring, carried out by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Department of Fisheries and Ocean (DFO), Environment Canada (EC), Health Canada's PMRA, and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
  • Developing and Implementing of Commodity Specific Risk Reduction Strategies, carried out by AAFC and Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
  • Generation of Data to Support the Registration of Reduced Risk and Minor Use Pesticides for the Agricultural and Agri-food Sector and Reduced Risk Pesticides and Biopesticides for Forestry, carried out by AAFC, HC's PMRA and NRCan.

8. Shared Outcomes:

Immediate Outcomes:

  • increased knowledge by the PMRA about pesticides and alternatives;
  • registration of reduced-risk and minor-use pesticides;
  • access to safer pest management practices and products; and
  • compliance for safer food, feed, fertilizers and fertilizer-pesticide combinations.

Intermediate Outcomes:

  • a regulatory system that better protects health and environment and contributes to the competitiveness of the agri-food and forestry sectors;
  • use of safer pest management practices and products; and
  • increased transparency of pesticide regulation.

Final Outcome:

  • Increased public and stakeholder confidence in pesticide regulation, protected health and environment as well as increased competitiveness of the agri-food and forestry sectors.

9. Governance Structure(s):

  • Health Canada (HC) -- Executive Director of PMRA
  • Environment Canada (EC) -- Director General, Conservation Strategies Directorate and Director General, National Programs Directorate
  • Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) -- Director General, Fisheries, Environment and Biodiversity Science
  • Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) -- Director General, Science Branch, Canadian Forest Service
  • Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada (AAFC) -- Assistant Deputy Minister of the Farm Financial Programs Branch and Assistant Deputy Minister of Research Branch, Executive Director, Pest Management Centre
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) -- Vice President, Programs
  • Deputy Minister Committee (DMC) -- Deputy Minister from Health and AAFC
  • AAFC / PMRA Joint Management Committee: Assistant Deputy Minister of the Farm Financial Programs Branch, AAFC, Assistant Deputy Minister of Research Branch, AAFC, Executive Director, PMRA, Health Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat (ex-officio member).

($ millions) Note: all funding ECD unless identified as ELCC
10. Federal Partners 11. Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) 12. Names of Programs for Federal Partners 13. Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) 14. Planned Spending for 2008-09 15. Actual Spending for 2008-09 16. Expected Results for 2008-09* 17. Results Achieved in 2008-09
I. Research and Monitoring
AAFC   (a) Conducting research to support the introduction of minor-use pesticides that pose a reduced risk to the environment. $8.0M $0

Funding associated with this activity sunset as of March 11, 2008.
$0 N/A N/A
CFIA Plant Health Risks and Production Systems (b) Enhanced monitoring and enforcement of pesticide residue limits in food and feed. $2.7M $0.25M $0.25M Laboratory testing of samples consumed by children (500 to 1000 samples).

Publish results in a public report.

Follow-up inspections for non-compliant samples with the aim of preventing similar occurrence in the future.

Food recalls as required, for risk mitigation and removal of hazardous foods from the market place
The objectives were to assess the compliance of foods consumed by children aged 1 to 15 years. The foods tested represented a random selection of foods marketed to, consumed in greater quantity by, or first eaten by children in the targeted age group. The pesticide residue results showed a high level of compliance with established limits (> 98%). There was no trend observed in pesticide levels with commodity, brand name, residue or country of origin.

The results to be published in a public report pending final approval.

The survey results showed nothing of concern requiring follow-up inspections for non-compliant samples and food recalls and removal of hazardous foods.
CFIA Plant Health Risks and Production Systems (c) Enhanced monitoring and enforcement of pesticide residues in fertilizers and pesticide guarantee verification in fertilizer-pesticide. $2.4M $0.25M $0.17M Develop monitoring and surveillance policies and programs, and advise inspectors on appropriate follow-up. Inspection Memorandum I-4-93, a document identifying inspection activities and sample quotas for the year, was provided to inspection staff. The Fertilizer Inspection Manual was reviewed, updated and distributed to inspection staff. To facilitate label verification in the field and maintain consistency, a list of all registered fertilizer-pesticides and labels were updated and made available to inspectors. Training was provided across Canada to inspection staff on enforcement and non-compliance procedures, as well as on label verification, to improve consistency in the delivery of inspection activities. Inspectors were guided on the significance of sample analytical results and on appropriate non-compliance follow-up procedures.

A new inspection program (Program 4C) was implemented to increase awareness and compliance of products requiring registration. Distribution sites and major warehouses were targeted to identify and detain non-registered fertilizer-pesticides.

A new inspection program (Program 5C) was implemented to address the complaints that certain lawn care companies are allegedly adding pesticides to their lawn fertilizer treatments without disclosing this information to consumers.

Registration guidelines for fertilizer-pesticides were finalized and posted on the Fertilizer Section's webpage.

Checklists were created to increase efficacy and uniformity in product registration submission (for companies) and review (for evaluators).
Increase interaction with the PMRA to obtain the most up-to date pesticide safety and labelling information. The CFIA and PMRA worked together on the review and update of 3 fertilizer-pesticide Brochures of the Compendium of Fertilizer-Use Pesticides (CFUP).

CFIA participated in the Summative Evaluation of the Building Public Confidence TB Initiative.
Update the Compendium of Fertilizer-Use Pesticides (CFUP), which contains information regarding registration, guarantees and proper labelling. Various updates were made to the CFUP (introduction, list of Brochures, Brochures content, Approved Brands list) to ensure compliance with PMRA's label information and re-evaluations of active ingredients.
Work to develop regulatory changes to facilitate updating the Compendium more regularly, and, if successful, provide Compendium updates more regularly to the producers of mixtures and to the CFIA's inspection staff. Substantiation documentation was developed for a regulatory amendment to change the definition of the CFUP in the Fertilizer Regulations to allow publication of its 3rd Edition.
Sample fertilizer-pesticide combinations to verify guarantees.

Sample fertilizers suspected to be contaminated with pesticides.
Inspectors took 80 samples of fertilizer-pesticides for pesticide guarantee verification, 69 samples of fertilizer products for the presence of pesticide residues, and 10 samples of fertilizer products for the lawn care companies monitoring program. The decrease in number of samples taken is due to the reduced availability of products containing pesticides following the ban on cosmetic use pesticides in various provinces.
Conduct investigation and compliance activities (anticipated based on sampling and inspection frequencies). 9 fertilizer-pesticides were sampled for pesticide guarantee verification under our Complaint and Compliance Inspection Program as they were flagged as being poor performers from previous fiscal years.

Also, 12 fertilizer-pesticides were verified for registration compliance.

Follow-up actions on the 15 non-compliant samples included information letters, warning letters, product detentions and on-site visits.
Analyse samples submitted by inspectors and develop new methods, as required. The number of samples analyzed was 84 for pesticide guarantee verification, 67 for pesticide contamination audit, and 10 for the lawn care companies' audit.

The compliance rate was 82% for the verification of pesticide guarantees in fertilizer-pesticides and 100% for the verification of pesticide residues in fertilizers.

Method development was conducted to simplify and speed-up the extraction/clean-up process for the determination of pesticide residues in fertilizer samples.
DFO Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems (d) Monitor and research the presence and effects of pesticides in marine and freshwater ecosystems. $7.9M $1M $1M DFO will provide the PMRA with final reports on regional National Fund projects. These research projects will be focused to address key research knowledge gaps, as they were in 2008-2009, after consultation with PMRA.
  • DFO will provide the PMRA with a yearly report from DFO's Centre for Environmental Research on Pesticides (CERP).
  • CERP will conduct laboratory and field based studies to quantify impacts of exposure to priority pesticides on fish and fish habitat. Impacts will be quantified in terms of reproductive success, growth and energy metabolism. Priority research will be identified in consultation with PMRA.
  • After consultation with the PMRA and other agencies, DFO will design and initiate new research projects related to the theme "Potential Impacts of Pesticides on Fisheries Resources".
  • Final report is ongoing. Anticipated delivery to PMRA is October 2009 for the 2008-09 projects.
  • CEPR has conducted laboratory exposures of fathead minnows to environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate, chloropyralid, chloropyrifos and atrazine. Growth and survival have been measured and fish are being reared to reproductive age to assess reproductive potential. A summary of these studies will be included in the October report to PMRA.
  • After consultation with PMRA, it was determined that DFO could provide useful results regarding the effects of mixtures of chloropyralid, chloropyrifos and glyphosate on fish and fish habitat. Benthic invertebrates were specified as a useful surrogate measure of fish habitat quality.
EC Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized (e) Monitor and research on presence and effects of pesticides in the environment. $7.6M $1.0M $1.0M EC's commitment to the BPC will continue for 2008-09. Based on Cycle 1 results and the preliminary results in the first year of Cycle 2, EC will set out to deliver on a schedule of research and monitoring projects on the presence and impacts of pesticide in the environment. The Pesticide Program Coordinating Committee (which has PMRA membership) will continue to assess priorities for pesticide science at EC. Specifically, EC will:
  • continue its research and monitoring activities;
  • continue to support research and monitoring to determine the environmental concentrations and impacts of in-use pesticides in the environment;
  • produce an annual report and make it available to the PMRA;
  • provide science advice to meet regulatory data gaps and knowledge deficiency as well as to improve risk assessment methods; and
  • provide support and advice to PMRA on pesticide related science policy and issue management.

These priorities will be delivered through various research, monitoring and surveillance activities. In the coming year, status updates will be provided on the following:

Air surveillance: Investigations on downwind concentrations of compounds that are deemed to have a high mammalian or avian toxicity and investigations on ambient air concentrations in regions of high pesticide use.

Water surveillance: The focus will continue on high risk priority watersheds where data gaps exist. Linking water monitoring to watershed modelling ((in association with the National Agri-Environmental Standards Initiative (NAESI)) will provide for wider results coverage through an increase in predictive power and assisting in the rationalization of water monitoring sampling designs. There will be a greater focus on specific issues, e.g., wetlands, urban areas, source waters, agriculture and priority pesticides (through previous monitoring and with interpretation tools such as the modified 'A Pesticide Priority Listing Evaluation Scheme' (APPLES), a prioritization tool developed with the PMRA). There will also be a concerted effort for continued efforts of establishment and assessment of trends especially as they relate to performance outcomes.

Aquatic effects: The focus of the aquatic effects work will be on integrating the effects of pesticides on aquatic food webs (including multitrophic-level) with exposure (including fate). Using novel assessment approaches, new data for a range of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides widely used in Canada, and commonly encountered in field surveillance programs will be generated. Species, populations and community resiliency may also be evaluated. The potential biological impact from pesticide runoff in high risk situation may be explored for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures.

The impacts of pesticide mixtures (linked to current NAESI deliverable) and cumulative effects investigations (e.g., nutrients), along with the impact assessments following chronic and pulse exposures may also be considered.

Terrestrial effects: There will be a concerted effort to focus the current terrestrial deliverables for birds and mammals on Species at Risk Act (SARA) -listed species and other species of concern, as well as on areas of perennial conflict between wildlife and pesticide use such as the lower BC Mainland. Priority will be given to pesticides causing acute intoxications (e.g. cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides) or broad contamination of terrestrial food chains (second generation anticoagulant rodenticides). Efforts will be focused also on comparing dietary and non-dietary (dermal, preening and inhalation) routes of exposure to pesticides in order to improve our ability to assess new pesticides and better predict impacts. For terrestrial life-stages of amphibians, the effort will be to continue work on an amphibian test protocol. For plants, the efforts will focus on improvement of routine phytotoxicity tests in greenhouses and on risk assessment with validation through in-situ research.

EC will also continue to work with the PMRA in the implementation of the existing EC/PMRA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in order to better integrate and coordinate research with regulation. The MOU has four components, Science Policy, Knowledge Generation, Issue Management and Compliance Promotion and Enforcement.

EC will continue working on providing leadership in the development and implementation of a federal, coordinated pesticides science strategy for research and monitoring through the Interdepartmental Committee. Furthermore, EC will participate in the proposed 6NR MOU.

EC will continue to contribute to PMRA's pesticide assessments where appropriate, will coordinate with PMRA on the development of environmental quality guidelines and will continue to provide science/policy advice on key Government of Canada policies as they relate to pesticide management and use in Canada.
EC was able to meet its commitments under the BPC initiative. We maintained activities addressing the following areas:
  • science policy;
  • research and monitoring;
  • issue management and communications;
  • enforcement and compliance promotion
  • EC maintained its coordination efforts for the third and final year of the 2nd Cycle of the PSF to further support research and monitoring projects on the presence and effects of pesticides in the environment.
  • EC supported the 10 on-going research and monitoring projects building on existing knowledge from previous years, and related projects.
  • EC is currently participating in the Building Public Confidence Memorandum to Cabinet - Treasury Board Summative Evaluation.
  • EC continued to provide ongoing science advice to PMRA to meet regulatory data gaps, reduce knowledge deficiencies, and improve risk assessment methods. EC provided significant input into PMRA's activities regarding:
    • Provided comments on the re-evaluation of endosulfan
    • Responded to a PMRA request on quintozene
    • Pesticide concentrations in surface water, current monitoring practices, new initiatives, and trends of commonly found pesticides
  • EC coordinated PSF projects with the completion of the national agri-environmental standards initiative (NAESI), an initiative under the Agricultural Policy Framework (PSF water monitoring data used with NAESI watershed modelling, NAESI performance standards used to create Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) water quality guidelines).
  • EC showcased PSF achievements at national and international venues in order to facilitate the exchange of information that will help achieve PSF objectives and use of this information to inform decision makers and Canadians.
  • EC presented outcomes and results of PSF projects to
    • Senior EC management.
    • 6NR pesticide workshop and meetings.
    • Pesticide FPT Committee at various workshop and meetings.
  • EC maintained its relationship to meet with industry in order to promote the development of Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines of pesticides.
  • EC chairs the CCME pesticide sub-committee involving key partners (PMRA, industry and the jurisdictions). Largely through EC's efforts, the sub-committee has proposed a revised water quality guideline for carbaryl, endosulfan, glyphosate, and 2,4-D, as well as an approach to develop benchmarks for pesticides with small datasets.
  • In terms of publications, EC scientists continue to produce a number of scientific peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
  • EC established a 3rd cycle of research and monitoring of pesticide presence and impacts in the environment. PSF Cycle 3 priorities were established based on GoC priorities as well as previous knowledge.
  • Under PSF Cycle 3, EC has set out to deliver on 12 new research projects and two monitoring projects that are linked to regulatory decision-making priorities for the GoC.
HC(PMRA) Pesticide Regulation (f) Linking pesticide regulation and research. $4.2M $0.8M $0.8M Identify and communicate annually PMRA's research and monitoring priorities to 6NR partners through regular meetings and other avenues, as needed. Continue facilitating discussion to identify linkages between 6NR research results and their use in regulatory decision making by PMRA, as well as opportunities for collaborative research among the 6NR.

Facilitate the two-way communication and coordination between regulation and research between governments within Canada (through PMRA's FPT Committee) and internationally as well as with the private and academic sectors, through presentations linking research and regulation at regional, national and international meetings (e.g., through SETAC, CSA, IUPAC).

Improve risk assessment procedures particularly in the area of environmental fate prediction (e.g., water modelling and exposure assessment). Strengthen PMRA's capacity to implement probabilistic risk assessment methods where appropriate.
There were several 6NR working group meetings and one DG level meeting in 2008-09. PMRA updated their research needs and communicated to 6NR. PMRA is in regular communication with 6NR researchers and/or program managers to help prioritize pest or pesticide related research and monitoring. PMRA shares information of its re-evaluation timetable in order to help target research and monitoring and ensure that data are generated to coincide with re-evaluation timelines.

On an on going basis PMRA consults with scientists in 6NR departments on issues of mutual concern. During the 2008-09 fiscal year, PMRA continued to incorporate results of monitoring into risk assessments, particularly re-evaluations and to use research results to refine risk assessment methods.

In 2008-2009 the PMRA presented its methodologies and research needs at numerous regional, national and international meetings (e.g., OECD, NAFTA, PMRA FPT Committees, Conferences, etc). In addition, the PMRA made presentations to stakeholders explaining how research results are used in pesticide regulation.

Within the Environmental Assessment directorate, the probabilistic risk assessment working group continues to increase its capacity to conduct and review probabilistic risk assessments as needed. The group continues to interact with counterparts in 6NR depts and other jurisdictions (EPA, EU) to exchange information, tools, and approaches for advanced risk assessments including the use of probabilistic methods.

PMRA continues to work with 6NR partners towards refining approaches to water modelling for use in risk assessments.
HC (PMRA) Pesticide Regulation (g) Conducting research to support the introduction of minor-use pesticides that pose a reduced risk to the environment. $3.5M $0

Funding associated with this activity sunset as of March 21, 2008
$0 N/A N/A
NRCan Adapting to a changing climate and hazard risk management (h) Research and monitor pesticides in the forest environment. $3.5M

(Funds allocated under the CFS pest management program through its own funding, outside of the BPC program)
$0.5M

(BPC funds $1.0M split between 2 CFS projects reduced by reallocation to $0.7M now split $0.3M and $0.4M)
$0.3M Coordination of the Enhanced Pest Management Program (EPMM). Review of final reports of two projects funded for one year only.

Review of proposals, and fund selected projects including: Environmental impact assessment of alternative pest control options, Modeling wildlife, exposure and risk relative to systemic insecticides, and Updating the Edaphic Indicator Research Tool.

Sponsor and provision of input into the 2008 National Forest Pest Management Forum.

Continuation, integration and coordination of NRCan work with the activities of the PMRA and other members of the 6NR Working Group on Pesticides.

Provision of input in the 2008 Summative Evaluation.
Reports were reviewed and funds provided to two projects: a) Adapting a spray advisor decision support system to Canadian conditions, and b) Analysis of the environmental fate and effects of Neem applied as a systemic insecticide.

NRCan researcher presented a scientific paper titled "Protecting Aquatic Habitats in Natural & Urban Forest Landscapes", at the 6NR Workshop on Habitat Protection (April, 2008). At this workshop, participants initiated discussions on a potential PMRA Policy for Habitat Protection

NRCan sponsored and provided input into the 2008 National Forest Pest Management Forum (December 2008). Presentations on NRCan's pest management research were made at the Forum and at SERG International - A Partnership in Forest Pest Management Research Workshop (February 2009). At both these meetings NRCan met with PMRA, other federal and provincial departments, pest managers, industry and other stakeholders.

The PMRA is currently committed to engage with NRCan and other participating departments and agencies, in the planning and completion of the BPC Summative Evaluation, now due in December 2009.
II. Developing and Implementing commodity specific risk reduction strategies
AAFC PAA currently under review (a) Commodity based risk reduction strategies $19.3M $2.5M $1.0M Fiscal year 2008-09 is a transition year from APF to Growing Forward policy. Discussions on how the programs will evolve will take place during the course of the year at which time associated future funding decision will be made.

Pesticide risks to health and the environment assessed for grower identified priority pest management issues and priority risk issues selected for support in coordination with PMRA

Development and implementation of up to 4 risk reduction strategies based on pesticide risk priorities

Stakeholders engaged in pesticide risk solution development for priority pesticide risk issues

Engage stakeholders to develop a review and updating program for published crop profiles and update up to 6 previously published profiles

Collection of data for up to 6 crops through regional focus groups for the purpose of updating profiles and tracking success of the program

Continued funding for ongoing research and implementation projects
7 priority pest management issues identified for pesticide risk reduction strategy work initiation or continuation
  • 4 strategies developed in priority areas
  • Stakeholders engaged in 4 working groups to develop reduced risk pest management solutions
  • Total of 14 new tools and practices made available to growers during FY 08-09 including four new and one improved decision support tools to reduce / optimize pesticide use (fusarium headblight, canola flea beetle); four technology transfer factsheets published for producers (carrot trimmer, weed control); one new tool (drift recovery sprayer) developed for use in grape production; four biopesticides registered in Canada for the first time, and available to growers
  • 3 reduced risk product dossiers submitted to PMRA: BioSave 10 LP, Agriphage (Category A), GF-120 (label expansion)
  • Feasibility study undertaken for sustainable approach to crop profile data collection and maintenance; finalization and publication of 4 crop profiles
HC(PMRA) Pesticide Regulation (a) Commodity based risk reduction strategies $25.7M $4.0M $4.0M Ongoing consultations with stakeholders to assist PMRA in determining priority regulatory needs. Work share with other government departments and 6NR.

Work on pesticide risk indicator: consult, build and validate database

Together with AAFC and other Directorates at PMRA, assess the risk reduction potential of stakeholder identified pest management priorities. Workshare with AAFC on new crop profiles and issue documents and finalising existing documents. Work with AAFC to define areas where cross commodity work can be accomplished.

Risk reduction strategies will be developed for issues that have a demonstrated potential to reduce pesticide risk. Where possible, strategies will be developed based on common themes rather than be restricted to single pest-crop combinations. Stakeholder consultations will be held throughout the year as required.
A NAFTA project dealing with trade issues has been initiated at HC entitled the "US/Can Grower priority Database". This database will identify trade barriers which exist due to regulatory or maximum reside limit differences between Canada and the Unites States and will identify Canadian grower's priority regulatory needs. PMRA has been consulting with stakeholders to determine their priority registration needs on a commodity group basis.

Phase 1 of the pesticide risk indicator model (development) is complete. Phase 2 (publication of technical and public documents) is planned for 2009/2010 and further enhancements are under development.

PMRA finalized the commodity based risk reduction strategies for 18 of the commodity based projects. The potential to reduce risk was assessed for all stakeholder identified priorities. AAFC and PMRA continue to work cooperatively on the biopesticide initiative. Quarterly meetings are held with AAFC to assess where cross commodity collaboration can occur.

An organophosphate replacement strategy with lowbush and highbush blueberry has been initiated. As part of this strategy work, PMRA facilitated communication between stakeholders (registrants, researchers, grower organizations and provincial and federal government) to identify pest management priorities and potential solutions. A potato silver scurf strategy is ongoing.
III. Generation of data to support the registration of reduced-risk and minor-use pesticides for the agricultural and agri-food sector and reduced-risk pesticides and biopesticides for forestry
AAFC   (a) Improving access to agricultural minor-use pesticides, and reduced-risk pesticides for agricultural use. $33.7M $0

Funding associated with this activity sunset as of March 21, 2008
$0 N/A N/A
HC(PMRA) Pesticide Regulation (a) Improving access to agricultural minor-use pesticides, and reduced-risk pesticides for agricultural use. $20.8M $0.0

Funding associated with this activity sunset as of March 21, 2008
$0 N/A N/A
NRCan Adapting to a changing climate and hazard risk management (b) Develop and facilitate the use of reduced-risk pesticides and biological pesticides for forestry. $4.1M

(Funds allocated under the CFS pest management program through its own funding, outside of the BPC program)
$0.5M

(BPC funds $1.0M split between 2 CFS projects reduced by reallocation to $0.7M now split $0.3M and $0.4M)
$0.4M If first year progress reports are satisfactory, fund the following three EPMM proposals for a second year 2008-2009: A pheromone-based management method for slowing the spread of the spruce longhorn beetle;
Autodissémination de champignons entomopathogenes pour le contrôle des populations d`insectes forestiers indigènes et exotiques nuisible;

Towards the development of a Bacillus thuringiensis product for control of sawflies Provision of funds for the salary and work of the CFS minor use research coordinator housed at the Agriculture Minor Use Centre Ottawa. Coordination and facilitation of registration of minor use pesticides for uses in woody ornamental, urban forest, and woodlands. Liaison with the PMRA and other government departments on pest management issues.

Input into Implementation of the 6NR Work Plan on Pesticides.
Three projects were funded for a second year in 2008-2009, on insect pheromones, entomopathogens, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products for the control of forest pests.

Presentations/Reports were made to stakeholders at the 2008 National Forest Pest Management Forum in Ottawa and at the 2009 SERG-International Workshop in Winnipeg.

Funds were provided for the salary and work of an NRCan-CFS scientist housed at AAFC's Minor Use Centre in Ottawa. NRCan-CFS collaborated with AAFC to obtain data needed for the PMRA registration of minor use pesticides for their use on woody ornamentals, urban forests, and woodlands.

Coordinated 18 projects on outdoor woody ornamentals including poplars, Christmas trees, and reforestation nurseries.

Made four final submissions to PMRA and/or registrants for registrations of pest control products for minor uses on reforestation nurseries, poplars and outdoor woody ornamentals.

NRCan also collaborated with the USDA Forest Service on registration of a pheromone that attracts spruce and Douglas fir bark beetle. As a result, NRCan is the Canadian registrant of the pheromone.

NRCan provided input into the Implementation of the 6NR Work Plan on Pesticides.

18. Comments on Variances:

N/A

19. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

N/A

20. Contact information:

Bev Cardinal, Manager
Planning and Special Initiatives Section
Strategic Planning, Financial and Business Operations Division
Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Health Canada
Telephone: 613-736-3420
E-mail: bev_cardinal@hc-sc.gc.ca


1. Name of Horizontal Initiative:

Federal Tobacco Control Strategy 2007-2011

2. Name of Lead Department(s):

Health Canada (HC)

3. Lead Department Program Activity:

Substance Use and Abuse

4. Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

2001-02

5. End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

2007-08 and ongoing

6. Federal Funding Allocation:

$361.0M

7. Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The Federal Tobacco Control Strategy (FTCS) establishes a framework for a comprehensive, integrated, and multi-faceted approach to tobacco control. It focuses on four mutually reinforcing components: protection, prevention, cessation and product regulation.

The Federal Tobacco Control Strategy (FTCS) 2007-2011 is driven by the longstanding commitment of the government of Canada to reduce the serious and adverse health effects of tobacco for Canadians. FTCS 2007-2011 is lead by Health Canada and involves several federal partners.

8. Shared Outcome(s):

The goal of the FCTS 2007-2011 is to reduce overall smoking prevalence from 19% in 2005 to 12% by 2011. The FTCS 2007-2011 objectives are to:

  • Reduce the prevalence of Canadian youth (15-17) who smoke from 15% to 9%;
  • Increase the number of adult Canadians who quit smoking by 1.5 million;
  • Reduce the prevalence of Canadians exposed daily to second-hand smoke from 28% to 20%;
  • Examine the next generation of tobacco control policy in Canada;
  • Contribute to the global implementation of the WHO FCTC; and
  • Monitor and assess contraband tobacco activities and enhance compliance.

9. Governance Structure(s):

Resources for the implementation of the FTCS were allocated to a number of departments and agencies. Health Canada (HC) is the lead department in the FTCS and is responsible for regulating the manufacture, sale, labelling and promotion of tobacco products as well as developing, implementing and promoting initiatives that reduce or prevent the negative health impacts associated with smoking.

The partner departments and agencies are:

  • Public Safety Canada (PS) (formerly Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada) - administers contribution funding for monitoring activities in connection with determining levels of contraband tobacco activity. The Department also provides policy advice and support on smuggling issues.
  • Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (formerly Department of Justice) - Is responsible for monitoring federal fines imposed in relation to tobacco and other types of offences, and for enforcing and recovering outstanding fines.
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - is responsible for the enforcement of laws in relation to the international movement of tobacco products (including the illicit manufacture, distribution or possession of contraband tobacco products).
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (formerly the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) - is responsible for ensuring the assessment and collection of tobacco taxes and monitoring tobacco exports.
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (previously part of the former Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) - is responsible for monitoring and assessing the level of contraband tobacco in Canada and internationally, reporting to the Dept of Finance to assist in the development of sound tax policies.

($ millions) Note: all funding ECD unless identified as ELCC
10. Federal Partners 11. Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) 12. Names of Programs for Federal Partners 13. Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) 14. Planned Spending for 2008-09 15. Actual Spending for 2008-09 16. Expected Results for 2008-09* 17. Results Achieved in 2008-09
1. HC HC

3.4 Substance Use and Abuse
FTCS $284.2M $78.9M $67.6M Complete an evaluation to assess the impacts of the first five years of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy.

Work with 8 regional offices and partner with several National Aboriginal Organizations across Canada for program delivery and development.
A summative (impact-based) evaluation of the FTCS (2001-06) including all Tobacco Control Programme components - (i.e. contribution funded projects, regulatory interventions, research and policy development); First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB); International Affairs Directorate (IAD); and federal partners was conducted.

HC supported over 100 First Nations and Inuit projects at the national, regional and community level aimed at cessation and tobacco awareness with a particular emphasis on youth, young adults and pregnant women.
2. PS

Regulations and Compliance
FTCS $3.0M $0.6M $0.6M Enhanced partnership arrangement with Akwesasne Mohawk Police.

Leading in preparation and participation in the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Controls negotiations for a Protocol in illicit tobacco.
See Results Achieved by Non-federal Partners above.

Public Safety leads the Canadian Delegation in the preparation and participation to negotiate a global Protocol to reduce illicit tobacco which takes place in Geneva. Two sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) have taken place, with the third session in June/July 2009.
3. ODPP

Regulations and Compliance
FTCS $11.2M $2.2M $2.3M
  1. Prioritize fine recovery for fines ordered under cigarette contraband and tobacco sales to youth convictions.
  2. Increase the number of fines satisfied by a minimum of 15 percent.
  3. Analyze trends and prioritize the most effective and least costly recovery methods.
  4. Prioritize payment of fines over incarceration, but enhance enforcement measures when appropriate.
  5. Reduce costs to client departments in regards to fees incurred for Crown counsel attending motions for extensions in the delay to pay a fine.
  1. The number of cigarette contraband and other tobacco-related fines has gone from 1,920 files in 2002 to 892 files as of March 31, 2007, a reduction of over 53.5 percent. There were 826 files in the inventory in 2005-06. This year's figure is mostly due to the increase in convictions for selling tobacco to minors and an increase in cigarette contraband across the country which has resulted in more convictions.
  2. The number of fines that were satisfied as of March 2007 was 423 as compared to 491 in March 2006, a reduction of 14 percent. This may be due to the fact that additional emphasis is being given to attempting to recover long-standing fines which by nature are more difficult to recover.
  3. Priority is given to the most cost-effective methods of recovery, in particular, demand letters, telephone calls and negotiating payment agreements. To date, approximately 27,000 interventions have been made, resulting in the recovery of over $32 M in past-due fines as of March 2007.
  4. Incarcerations for non-payment of fines totalled 66 in 2007 as compared to 60 in 2006. Of these 66 offenders, 15 subsequently opted to pay their fine rather than remain in incarceration.
  5. Crown counsel assigned to Fine Recovery Units oppose all motions for payment extensions heard at court, resulting in a decrease in counsel fees to client departments for these hearings.
4. RCMP

Regulations and Compliance.
FTCS $8.6M $1.7M $834.492
  1. Provide the Department of Finance, Health Canada and other partners with current updates on illicit tobacco trade activities.
  2. The RCMP monitors illegal activities at and along the CAN/U.S. border through the use of strategic detection and surveillance equipment.
  3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.
  1. Regular reports on the illicit tobacco situation were provided to Finance and Health Canada. Side bar reports and presentations provided to other partners and key Ministerial entities upon request, such as the Government of Canada Task Force on Illicit Tobacco, the Senior Revenue Officials Conference and the Interprovincial Investigations Conference. The Tobacco Analysts also attend regular meetings to brief the Department of Finance.
  2. Improved border security through the use of sophisticated technology which permits detection and monitoring of illegal border intrusions, resulting in vital intelligence.
  3. Co-hosted the 2008 Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop with American and Canadian agencies and presently preparing the 2009 Workshop to be held in September 2009. One National Tobacco Analyst met, in February 2009, with some American Law Enforcement personnel (U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency) to share investigative information about a major tobacco manufacturer who may be involved in illegal activities in Canada and the U.S. Two National Tobacco Analysts gave a total of 8 information sessions on the illicit trade of tobacco at four law enforcement courses/workshops in Canada and the U.S.
5. CRA / CBSA

PA1 Taxpayer and Business Assistance

(Total allotment to CRA, includes Customs/CBSA $50.0M and $4.0M to CRA)

Assessment and Benefit Client Services
Branch (previously Assessment and Collections)

Excise and GST/HST Rulings Directorate/ Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch
FTCS $54.0M $10.8M (10.0M to CBSA and $0.8 to CRA allocated between two CRA areas.  
  1. Systems adjustments and maintenance to reflect the legislative changes that affect rates, reporting and refunds as well as program changes to include duty-free shops and ships stores.
  2. Verify Export activity.
  3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.
  4. Work with stakeholders to monitor and assess the effectiveness of measures used to reduce contraband tobacco.
  5. Provide the Department of Finance with advice in the development of policy and the determination of the magnitude and timing of future tax increases.
  6. Support RCMP enforcement activity.
  1. Systems and reporting capabilities were maintained as required to meet program requirements.
  2. The Tobacco Enforcement Verification Program (field) effectively monitored the movement of exported tobacco products.
  3. Co-hosted the 2008 Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop with American and Canadian agencies and presently preparing the 2009 Workshop to be held in September 2009. One National Tobacco Analyst met, in February 2009, with some American Law Enforcement personnel (U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency) to share investigative information about a major tobacco manufacturer who may be involved in illegal activities in Canada and the U.S. Two National Tobacco Analysts gave a total of 8 information sessions on the illicit trade of tobacco at four law enforcement courses/workshops in Canada and the U.S.
  4. Participated on a number of committees dealing with the monitoring and control of tobacco products, including those dealing with interprovincial issues. Co-hosted the Tobacco Diversion Workshop with Canadian and U.S. participation.
  5. Met with the Department of Finance as required. Provided industry and product information.
  6. Supported RCMP enforcement activity by providing information about specific tobacco transactions as well as expert testimony and affidavits.
5. CRA / CBSA

PA1 Taxpayer and Business Assistance

(Total allotment to CRA, includes Customs/CBSA $50.0M and $4.0M to CRA)

Assessment and Benefit Client Services
Branch (previously Assessment and Collections)

Excise and GST/HST Rulings Directorate/ Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch
FTCS $54.0M $10.8M (10.0M to CBSA and $0.8 to CRA allocated between two CRA areas.  
  1. Systems adjustments and maintenance to reflect the legislative changes that affect rates, reporting and refunds as well as program changes to include duty-free shops and ships stores.
  2. Verify Export activity.
  3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.
  4. Work with stakeholders to monitor and assess the effectiveness of measures used to reduce contraband tobacco.
  5. Provide the Department of Finance with advice in the development of policy and the determination of the magnitude and timing of future tax increases.
  6. Support RCMP enforcement activity.
  1. Systems and reporting capabilities were maintained as required to meet program requirements.
  2. The Tobacco Enforcement Verification Program (field) effectively monitored the movement of exported tobacco products.
  3. Co-hosted the 2008 Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop with American and Canadian agencies and presently preparing the 2009 Workshop to be held in September 2009. One National Tobacco Analyst met, in February 2009, with some American Law Enforcement personnel (U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency) to share investigative information about a major tobacco manufacturer who may be involved in illegal activities in Canada and the U.S. Two National Tobacco Analysts gave a total of 8 information sessions on the illicit trade of tobacco at four law enforcement courses/workshops in Canada and the U.S.
  4. Participated on a number of committees dealing with the monitoring and control of tobacco products, including those dealing with interprovincial issues. Co-hosted the Tobacco Diversion Workshop with Canadian and U.S. participation.
  5. Met with the Department of Finance as required. Provided industry and product information.
  6. Supported RCMP enforcement activity by providing information about specific tobacco transactions as well as expert testimony and affidavits.
6. CBSA Security

Access
FTCS $28,470 $5,694 $4,993
  1. Provide advice to Department of Finance on matters that will impact the future tax structure on tobacco.
  2. Monitor and report on the contraband tobacco situation in Canada.
  3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.
  1. Attended monthly meetings with Department of Finance and partners to discuss and serve as a reference for questions on tobacco issues.
  2. Provided monthly analysis of the national contraband situation by compiling reports received from the Regions. Partnered with RCMP in annual risk assessment of the nature and extent of tobacco contraband activity. Coordinated development of tobacco intelligence in the Regions. The capabilities of our officers/analysts to infiltrate the marketplace, gather intelligence, liaise with other agencies and process their files has resulted in: an increase in targets for examination, both companies and individuals; identification of possible risk elements not previously perceived; awareness of emerging trends and threats.
  3. Actively participated in Joint Force Operations with law enforcement partners across the Regions. Co-hosted the Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop 2006 with American and Canadian agencies. Developed and maintained contact with international tobacco enforcement personnel.
Loss of Duty Free Licensing $21,500 $4,300 $4,300
Travellers Division         Collection of the tobacco duties imposed on personal importations of returning Canadians In 2006-2007 CBSA front line officers collected duties and taxes from previously exempted personal importations of tobacco.
Grand Total: $361.51M $95.20M $73.08M    

16. Comments on Variances:

In 2008-09, the realignment of departmental programs and a shift in priorities resulted in delays of certain projects. Furthermore, the proroguement of government caused delays in obtaining project approvals.

17. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

N/A

20. Contact information:

Brenda Paine, Director
Office of Policy and Strategic Planning
Controlled Substance and Tobacco Directorate
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: (613) 941-9826
E-mail: brenda_paine@hc-sc.gc.ca