The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's 2023 to 2024 Departmental Results Report

On this page

• From the Minister
• Results - what we achieved
  • Core Responsibility 1: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
  • Internal services
• Spending and human resources
  • Spending
  • Funding
  • Financial statement highlights
  • Human resources
• Corporate information
• Supplementary information tables
• Federal tax expenditures
• Definitions

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Également disponible en français sous le titre :
Rapport sur les résultats ministériels de l'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments 2023 à 2024

To obtain additional information, please contact:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
1400 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0Y9
Tel.: 1-613-773-2342
Toll free: 1-800-442-2342
TTY: 1-800-465-7735
Internet: Contact the CFIA online

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2024

Use without permission is prohibited.

Catalogue No.: A101-12E-PDF
ISSN: 2561-0775

From the Minister

As the Minister responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), I am pleased to present the CFIA's Departmental Results Report for 2023 to 2024.

The CFIA provides essential public services that benefit all Canadians. Each day, CFIA employees across the country inspect food for safety risks, protect plants from pests and invasive species, and protect animals against diseases.

This report summarizes how the CFIA has delivered on plans outlined in the agency's 2023 to 2024 Departmental Plan. It shows how the agency's work helps to safeguard food, plants, animals, and facilitate trade by helping to protect the forestry, agriculture and agri-food, and fish and seafood sectors.

This past year, the CFIA also showed leadership and expertise in preventing and responding to emergencies that threaten the health of animals. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA continued to actively address the largest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canada's history while preparing for the possible arrival of other diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease.

The CFIA continued its important work on food safety, including overseeing several high-profile food recalls such as cantaloupes due to Salmonella and imported enoki mushrooms due to Listeria. Complementary education campaigns helped Canadians learn more about best before dates and food fraud so that they can make informed choices about their food.

Meanwhile, essential work continued to prevent and control the spread of plant pests and invasive species that pose risks to Canada's environment and economy including forestry and agriculture industries. Some of the notable campaigns to educate Canadians on the risks focused on the spotted lanternfly, box tree moth, and potato wart.

Several CFIA activities supported Government of Canada priorities, such as taking a One Health approach on issues like antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and climate change. The agency is also committed to doing its part to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan and has taken steps on the path toward reconciliation.

On the global stage, the CFIA worked with experts to contribute to the development of international standards for food safety and animal and plant health. The CFIA also worked with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Global Affairs Canada to maintain and expand market access of Canadian products, including advancing the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The agency engaged with stakeholders and held public consultations on the Seeds Regulations and modernization of Part B of the Food and Drug Regulations, including the framework for food compositional standards. The updated regulations for hatcheries also came into effect in November 2023. Additionally, the CFIA pre-published proposed regulatory amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations on changes that would address the internal trade barriers faced by the city of Lloydminster.

The agency also continued to modernize service delivery by digitalizing certain plant and animal permissions, building on the launch of the My CFIA digital platform in 2019. Since then, several services have been integrated onto the platform, including plant and animal health protection tools such as import permits, export certificates, and applications for pre-market approvals.

The CFIA continued to make progress on the renewal of the Centre for Plant Health in Sidney, British Columbia. The government also announced the construction of new laboratory facilities at the existing CFIA Ottawa Laboratory (Fallowfield). Once completed, these projects will provide federal scientists and researchers with world-class, innovative, and collaborative facilities to ensure they can keep pace with, and lead, the transformative changes facing science today and into the future.

I want to thank all CFIA employees for their expertise and for helping to ensure the CFIA is an inclusive workplace that supports a diverse workforce across the country. This includes launching an anti-racism action plan and the Black Employee Network, and upgrades at the Burnaby Laboratory to create more accessible and inclusive work environments for the D/deaf and hard of hearing. The CFIA was also recognized as one of Canada's top employers for diversity and for youth and as one of the National Capital Region's top employers.

I invite Canadians to read the CFIA's 2023 to 2024 Departmental Results Report to learn more about the vital work of the CFIA and how it helps to protect the well-being of Canada's people, environment, and economy.

The Honourable Mark Holland, PC, MP
Minister of Health

Results - what we achieved

Core responsibilities and internal services

• Safe food and healthy plants and animals
• Internal services

Core responsibility 1: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

In this section

• Description
• Progress on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government-wide priorities
• Program inventory

Description

Protecting Canadians by safeguarding Canada's food system and the plant and animal resources on which we depend, and supporting the Canadian economy through the trade of Canadian goods.

Progress on results

This section presents details on how the agency performed to achieve results and meet targets for safe food and healthy plants and animals. Details are presented by departmental result.

Table 1: Targets and results for safe food and healthy plants and animals

Table 1 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under safe food and healthy plants and animals.

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for the CFIA's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Details on results

The following section describes the results for safe food and healthy plants and animals in 2023 to 2024 compared with the planned results set out in the CFIA's departmental plan for the year.

Expand allCollapse all

Food sold in Canada is safe and accurately represented to Canadians

In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA made progress on a multi-year comprehensive review of its food regulatory framework. These efforts to create clear and transparent rules help uphold the safety of Canadian goods and protect the health of Canadians. They also facilitate prosperity by enabling industry to innovate and embrace changes in science and technology and support good governance for Canada.

The agency protected the health of Canadian consumers and supported confidence in institutions by advancing new food safety measures and tools to detect food misrepresentation, also known as food fraud, and promote compliance with requirements for food labelling.

Results achieved

• advanced proposed amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations to address the unique interprovincial regulatory challenges within the city of Lloydminster and to the Food and Drug Regulations to modernize the frameworks for food compositional standards
• provided tools and guidance to industry to promote compliance with new requirements for imported foods and simulated meat and poultry products, as well as new Health Canada regulations for front-of-package labelling
• enacted temporary import control measures that successfully limited instances of food-borne illness associated with the consumption of imported romaine lettuce
• modernized and improved the efficacy of inspection activities by expanding the Modernized Slaughter Inspection Program and the use of risk-based modelling for food establishments and imported foods

Plant and animal resources are protected from diseases and pests and are safe for Canadians and the environment

In 2023 to 2024, Canada faced significant challenges to plant and animal health, including continued outbreaks of serious animal diseases, such as HPAI, and detections of new plant pests, such as oak wilt. The agency took a collaborative approach, rooted in One Health principles, to make progress on complex challenges that intersect human, animal, plant, and environmental health. These actions help maintain prosperity for Canadians and support ecological integrity and environmental stewardship by preserving the health of Canada's plant and animal resource base in the face of serious threats.

In keeping with its plant and animal regulatory modernization agenda, the CFIA launched public consultations supporting priority initiatives. The CFIA provided more resources to promote compliance with new regulatory requirements and encourage reporting of plant and animal health issues. The agency also strengthened its resources and infrastructure for scientific research, testing, and collaboration.

Results achieved

• raised awareness of invasive species and other plant health issues, resulting in more than 500 suspected pest reports from the public from 2023 to 2024, one of which led to the first confirmed case of oak wilt in Canada
• completed the third annual potato wart national survey with no detections of potato wart and launched a new potato wart land management tool to support potato growers on Prince Edward Island and help maintain market access for potatoes from the province
• advanced the Laboratories Canada strategy through construction of the Sidney Centre for Plant Health, a trailblazing facility that will provide modernized diagnostic testing for regulated plant diseases
• released the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance alongside Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and federal, provincial, and territorial partners

Canadian food, plants and animals and their associated products can be traded internationally

The CFIA continued to lead Canada's engagement with key international standard-setting bodies for food safety and plant and animal health. The agency made progress in implementing key government priorities to support of Canada's trade goals and collaborated with other federal, provincial, and territorial government partners as well as industry and foreign regulatory counterparts to advance Canada's trade policy interests. This was done while ensuring our ability to enforce necessary regulations for measures on food safety, animal health, and plant health.

Results achieved

• expanded Canada's access to international markets, including notable gains in the Indo-Pacific region, such as approval of new pork establishments and maintaining access for several commodities through the delivery of technical engagements and onsite audits to meet foreign regulatory requirements
• led Canada's participation at the International Plant Protection Convention, the North American Plant Protection Organization, and the World Organisation for Animal Health, and co-led Canada's participation at the Codex Alimentarius Commission
• in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Global Affairs Canada, established a dedicated Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, Philippines in support of the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy

Details on results achieved

The following outlines the CFIA's results achieved in support of its 3 departmental results in 2023 to 2024, organized by theme.

1. Modernizing regulation and empowering stakeholders

The CFIA maintained progress on its commitment to make updates to its regulations that support flexible, adaptable rules, allowing for innovation and industry growth while upholding the safety of Canadian goods and protecting the health of Canadians. By providing user-centric digital tools and services to Canadians, the CFIA enhanced information-sharing and promoted compliance and efficient service delivery. Alongside its key partners, the CFIA continued to help more Canadian food, plant, and animal products access international markets, which in turn supported the growth and vitality of Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry and economy.

Description for infographic

Supporting Results: Modernizing regulation and empowering stakeholders

• 72% of Canadians agreed that the CFIA helps ensure that food sold in Canada is safe
• 79.5% of food establishments addressed compliance issues upon follow-up or were brought into compliance
• 90.5% of plant inputs, products, and by-products complied with Canadian regulations and relevant international agreements
• 98.5% of animal inputs, products, and by-products complied with Canadian regulations and relevant international agreements
• 78 international markets were opened or maintained based on CFIA activities

1.1 Modernizing the CFIA's regulatory framework

In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA enhanced regulatory flexibility, improved consistency, supported industry's ability to take advantage of advancements in science and technology, and bolstered the competitive edge of Canadian businesses in both domestic and international markets.

To modernize its regulatory framework in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• pre-published proposed amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I that would modernize the framework for food compositional standards by using incorporation by reference to allow food compositional standards to be maintained and updated in a transparent, timely, and efficient manner
• launched 15 public consultations on livestock feed ingredients, including on a novel feed additive that may help reduce cattle methane emissions, to support their inclusion in the Canadian Feed Ingredient Table which will be incorporated by reference in the modernized Feeds Regulations
• conducted the first of 2 consultations on stakeholder recommendations for amendments to the Seed Regulatory Framework that would aim to reduce overlap and redundancy, increase responsiveness to industry changes, address gaps and inconsistencies, and provide clarity and flexibility to affected regulated parties
  • to support this work the CFIA published a "what we heard report" on consultations on the proposed amendments to the Seeds Regulations that concluded in 2023 and launched the second consultation on stakeholder recommendations for proposed amendments to the Seed Regulatory Framework in February 2024

1.2. Promoting compliance and awareness

The CFIA is responsible for setting rules for Canada's food, plant, and animal industries, verifying that those rules are being followed, and taking action when they are not. In 2023 to 2024, Canadian food, plant, and animal businesses demonstrated high compliance with federal requirements. For example, 100% of horticultural businesses, such as greenhouse and nursery businesses, were in compliance with CFIA regulations. Among animal and food businesses, 91% of animal businesses assessed by the CFIA and 95% of inspected food establishments were in compliance.

Strong compliance with regulations is critical to keeping food sold in Canada safe for consumers and protecting the health of plants and animals. Good compliance also helps create efficiencies for both industry and the CFIA by limiting costly corrective and response measures, protecting trade continuity, and reducing the need for enforcement actions.

The CFIA offers support along the path to compliance by empowering stakeholders with the necessary tools, resources, and services to understand requirements and make informed choices.

In 2023 to 2024, to keep stakeholders informed of requirements and promote compliance with regulations, the CFIA:

• worked in collaboration with Health Canada to update tools and guidance, such as the Industry Labelling Tool, to support food businesses as they transition to the new requirements for front-of-package labelling
• published updated guidance for simulated meat and poultry products to clarify rules, promote market consistency, and prevent mislabelling
• issued a notice to industry reminding food manufacturers, distributors, and importers of their responsibility to ensure caffeinated energy drink products meet Canadian requirements
• in response to non-compliances detected through CFIA laboratory testing, issued a notice to industry regarding their obligations to ensure chocolate products do not contain undeclared milk allergens
• provided guidance and information to industry to support the activation of automatic verification of Safe Food for Canadians licences for imports of manufactured foods
• provided information and resources to aid industry transition and promote compliance with updated requirements for discharging wood packing material entering Canada by ship, which can carry an increased risk of introducing harmful foreign plant pests
• published a notice to industry detailing the CFIA's compliance promotion strategy for updates to the Fertilizers Regulations to support industry transition to the new requirements

By taking proactive steps to raise public awareness, the CFIA strives to help people in Canada better understand the role they play in protecting Canada's plant and animal resources and protecting themselves from illness. To achieve this, the CFIA uses a variety of tools and strategies to promote compliance with Canadian regulations and public health guidelines, such as online guidance materials, consultations and other stakeholder engagements, social media and advertising campaigns, and public opinion research.

The CFIA uses public opinion research to measure food businesses' awareness of regulatory requirements. The results of this research help the CFIA assess whether industry has access to the information needed to facilitate compliance with requirements. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA found that 70% of respondents from food businesses had awareness of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, which is consistent with findings from the previous year. Of these respondents, 84% of processors and manufacturers and 80% of wholesalers and distributors had good awareness. Overall, these results indicate that food businesses have a strong awareness of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.

To promote Canadians' awareness and understanding of their role in protecting food safety and plant and animal health, in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• launched a variety of social media and advertising campaigns and released public statements in support of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week and World Rabies Day 2023
• launched campaigns to raise awareness of the difference between best before dates and expiry dates among Canadian consumers
• launched a media campaign and published new online materials about food fraud, including new content on fish and seafood labeling and traceability, made improvements to the CFIA's food fraud webpage to support easier and faster access to information, and continued ongoing social media posts to help Canadians spot and report food fraud
• developed new online resources designed to provide education and increase awareness of potato wart and how to prevent its spread
• launched a digital campaign to educate small flock owners about HPAI and its risks to human and bird health
• conducted public opinion research to gauge pet owners' awareness of Canada's import requirements when travelling with pets and released the "Paws and Plan" social media and advertising campaign to promote compliance with these requirements
• launched awareness campaigns and continued distribution of outreach products to help Canadians spot and report harmful plant pests, including distribution of over 25,000 of the agency's plant pest card series

Description for infographic

Businesses assessed by the CFIA that complied with regulations:

• Food: 95%
• Plant: 100%
• Animal: 91%

1.3. Delivering effective and modern services

The CFIA works to deliver its programs and services in a modern, accessible, and transparent manner that enables stakeholders to effectively fulfil their responsibilities under Canada's food safety and plant and animal health requirements while limiting inefficiencies and administrative burden. To achieve this, the CFIA uses the latest science and risk intelligence to modernize how it delivers certain inspection activities. This approach supports greater prosperity for Canadians by enabling both the CFIA and industry to gain efficiencies, while simultaneously improving food safety for Canadians by identifying areas that require greater oversight by CFIA inspectors.

In support of the Government of Canada's commitment to provide Canadians with reliable, accessible, and secure services, the CFIA continued to provide more services electronically, including permissions. Permissions are applications such as licences, permits, ministerial exemptions, permissions to move, and test market authorizations. Permissions are issued by the CFIA to help keep Canada's domestic food supply safe, protect the environment from invasive animal and plant diseases and plant pests, and ensure compliance with various regulatory requirements, which enables market access and trade.

Excluding export service requests, 94.3% of food permissions, 97% of plant permissions, and 39.2% of animal permissions were issued by the CFIA through its online systems in 2023 to 2024. The comparatively lower percentage of animal permissions processed digitally reflects the resource strain the CFIA continues to experience as a result of ongoing outbreaks of HPAI across Canada since 2022. Despite these challenges, the agency processed 91.3% of animal permissions within its service standards and continues to make progress on designing and delivering new digital services each year, which will ultimately increase the overall volume of permissions for animals issued through the agency's online systems.

In 2023 to 2024, to better align with industry needs, streamline internal processes, and enhance its ability to meet targets for service delivery, the CFIA also:

• developed and launched the potato wart land management tool to assist potato growers in Prince Edward Island manage potato wart-related risks, promoting compliance with regulations and access to the most up-to-date information, enabling timely and important business decisions
• launched new electronic export certificates for both the export of live bovine to the United States (U.S.) and for plants and plant products, making it possible for certificate information to be more efficiently transmitted between countries
• improved the functionality of the electronic certificate of free sale and the standard dairy export certificate, which support international trade
• modernized digital export forms and applications for the import of veterinary biologics in collaboration with the Canadian Centre of Veterinary Biologics, developed an online portal to allow secure digital submissions, and phased out legacy systems no longer supported

Description for infographic

Permissions processed within service standards:

• Food: 99.5%
• Plant: 95.3%
• Animal: 91.3%

Permissions issued by the CFIA through its online systems:

• Food: 94.3%
• Plant: 97%
• Animal: 39.2%

1.4. Expanding market access and supporting trade

The CFIA helps grow international market access for Canadian exporters while also contributing to global food security and benefiting global consumers with access to high-quality food, plant, and animal products. Working closely with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, international partners, and industry stakeholders, the CFIA facilitates trade for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products that are exported to 190 countries worldwide, generating approximately $99 billion in 2023. The CFIA also supports market access for key Canadian industries, such as forestry and fish and seafood. In 2023, the forestry sector generated $25.2 billion for the national GDP and employed 184,000 people, making it an important contributor to Canada's economy.

In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA's collaborative efforts with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Global Affairs Canada, other federal government departments, and international parties resulted in the resolution of 78 market access issues, allowing Canadian producers to trade in these markets. Of these resolutions, the CFIA enabled market access by maintaining 44 markets, expanding 10 existing markets, gaining 18 markets, and regaining 6 trade opportunities where market access was previously lost. Through this work, the CFIA helps grow international markets for Canadian exporters while also contributing to global food security and benefiting global consumers with access to high-quality food, and plant and animal products.

To help expand Canada's access to international markets, in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA also:

• advanced the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy by establishing the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Global Affairs Canada
  • located in the Embassy of Canada in Manila, Philippines, the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office officially opened on February 21, 2024, and is strengthening and building partnerships in the region, promoting Canada as a leader and reliable trading partner, engaging in regulatory cooperation initiatives, and supporting Canadian exporters to find new business opportunities
• entered into a new organic equivalency arrangement for processed food products with the Republic of Korea, expanded the scope of Canada's existing arrangement with Japan to include alcoholic beverages, and extended the Canada-Mexico Organic Equivalency Arrangement for an additional 3 years
  • these arrangements are part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to eliminate trade barriers and increase consumer access to a variety of organic foods
• worked with China to update its list of Canadian cherry and blueberry exporters, which expanded market opportunity for the Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable sector by enabling more Canadian businesses to export these products to China
• made significant progress on market access to Mexico for Canadian faba bean grain and seed as well as pressed or bagged Timothy hay for animal consumption
• worked with India to allow Canadian non-fumigated pulses to be exported

The CFIA worked collaboratively with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and other federal departments to address market access issues in order to preserve or re-gain access for important commodities in several countries. These efforts are essential to allowing Canadian producers to continue to trade in these markets.

As a result of the CFIA's collaborative work to address market access issues, in 2023 to 2024, Canada:

• gained or maintained eligibility for over 500 Canadian food establishments to export to China by registering, renewing, or updating their registrations in the China Import Food Enterprise Registration system
• re-gained market access to export beef and certain beef products to Taiwan and Sri Lanka for the first time since bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was detected in Canada in 2003
• re-gained market access to Vietnam for seed potatoes from Prince Edward Island, following market loss due to potato wart detections in 2021
• re-gained market access to Guatemala for pork, beef, and poultry products for the first time since 2013 following the introduction of requirements to inspect facilities in Canada for approval of exports

2. Preventing, preparing for, and responding to emergencies

Canada is facing greater threats to its food, plant, and animal resource base than ever before in the CFIA's history. As Canada's climate continues to change, local ecosystems are becoming more vulnerable to harmful foreign plant pests like spotted lanternfly, and the potential for harmful animal diseases to expand into previously unaffected regions is growing. As a result, intense and prolonged outbreaks of diseases like HPAI, and the potential introduction of pests from other countries, have the potential to profoundly affect the vitality of Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry and compromise the CFIA's ability to deliver its mandate.

In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA worked to meet these growing challenges by enhancing Canada's tools to better detect, assess, and prepare for risks to food safety and plant and animal health. The agency also took steps alongside industry and key partners to recover from ongoing responses and strengthen Canada's readiness for the next emergency. All the while, the CFIA responded to new and ongoing emergencies, including nationwide outbreaks of HPAI and serious food-borne illnesses linked to Salmonella exposure.

Description of infographic

Supporting Results: Preventing, preparing for, and responding to emergencies

• 92.1% of higher risk food recalls occurred prior to an adverse effect being reported to the CFIA
• 1 foreign plant pest entered and established in Canada
• 81.3% of regulated plant pests previously entered and established in Canada whose spread was successfully limited by the CFIA
• 27 confirmed animal disease outbreaks per 100 investigations conducted by the CFIA

2.1 Detecting and taking action on emerging risks

Taking early action to mitigate risks to food, plants, and animals is critical to preventing the spread of diseases and pests before they can evolve into large-scale emergencies. The CFIA works to proactively identify and manage hazards that threaten the health of Canada's people, animals, plants, and the vitality of key Canadian industries. Using surveillance and a variety of scientific methods, including sampling, laboratory testing, and modelling, the CFIA assesses potential risks to help target its resources to the areas where they can deliver the greatest benefit. This information also enables the CFIA to respond more efficiently when serious risks are detected.

In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA enhanced surveillance and testing measures for Listeria monocytogenes, more commonly known as Listeria, in fresh enoki mushrooms. Consuming food contaminated with Listeria can lead to the illness listeriosis, which can be associated with serious health risks. These enhanced measures led to several recalls of fresh enoki mushrooms from China and the Republic of Korea to remove unsafe products from the marketplace. As a result, the CFIA also enacted temporary import conditions on fresh enoki mushrooms to reduce the risk to Canadians.

To mitigate risks to food safety in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA also:

• implemented the Establishment-based Risk Assessment model for the manufactured foods and fresh fruits and vegetables sectors, a model that helps CFIA inspectors identify establishments of higher risk that may need more oversight
  • industry recognized the value of this tool and voluntarily contributed the necessary information to support its operation, which enabled the CFIA to assess an average of 81% of establishments across all food sectors using the model in 2023 to 2024
• completed the development, testing, and validation of the Importer Risk Assessment model, which produced risk results for 44% of licensed food importers bringing products into Canada
• enhanced the Food Import Risk Explorer model to include more scientific information, helping the CFIA prioritize risks to Canadians from imported food commodities and support decisions on which countries to audit for food safety
• conducted a targeted survey for potential allergens in chocolates, which identified an increase in undeclared milk allergens in chocolate products and resulted in over 30 food recalls
• developed 57 new or improved testing methods for identifying high-risk food produced in Canada, helping the CFIA respond to the increasing volume of import-related requests and expand inspections into emerging risk areas
• evaluated new testing methods for food fraud that use artificial intelligence models to identify lead chromate in turmeric and artificial sweeteners or alcohol sugars in coconut water, which will help the CFIA continue its work to prevent misrepresentation in food
• validated methods for toxic element testing for methyl mercury in mushrooms and for arsenic in certain fruit juices, which can be a significant source of exposure in the diets of Canadian children
• enacted temporary import conditions to reduce the risk associated with Escherichia coli (coli) in romaine lettuce from the U.S. for the fourth year in a row

The CFIA conducts audits of foreign countries' regulatory systems, facilities, and processes to assess their compliance with Canadian standards and regulations. These activities help to identify any potential risks associated with imported food, plant, or animal products and verify that they meet Canadian requirements for safety, quality, and integrity.

As result of these audits, the CFIA may make recommendations to foreign competent authorities and establishments to address compliance issues to help strengthen food safety and plant and animal health. In 2023 to 2024, 100% of CFIA recommendations to foreign competent authorities and establishments based on foreign system assessment findings in the prior year were accepted.

Ultimately, these audits and evaluations support the CFIA's mandate to protect Canadians and the environment from health and safety risks associated with imported goods, while also helping to support the global supply of safe food. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA performed audits in 7 countries, including verification of establishments in the Republic of Korea that produce fresh enoki mushrooms for export to Canada after a multinational outbreak of Listeria infections.

Figure 1: Global audits and evaluations conducted by the CFIA in 2023 to 2024

Description for Figure 1: Global audits and evaluations conducted by the CFIA in 2023 to 2024

• U.S.: Maintenance audit of meat inspection systems
• Mexico: Maintenance audit of meat inspection system
• Guatemala: Fresh fruit and vegetable audit of food safety control system
• Colombia: Meat inspection systems audit of import of beef
• Switzerland: Dairy audit of food safety systems for cheese
• Republic of Korea: Fresh enoki mushroom establishments
• Vietnam: Food control system audits of fish and seafood

Worldwide, outbreaks of animal disease are on the rise. Factors like deforestation and environmental degradation due to climate change have pushed wild animal populations into smaller geographical areas and increased their contact with farmed animals and people. These conditions are the ideal environment for harmful diseases like chronic wasting disease, HPAI, and ASF to spread, and create the potential for new zoonotic diseases to emerge. The CFIA works to protect the health of people and animals in Canada through programs designed to guard against the entry of foreign animal diseases and control their spread when they occur.

For example, in January 2024, testing completed by the CFIA's World Organisation for Animal Health reference laboratory for chronic wasting disease confirmed the first 2 cases of this disease in wild deer from British Columbia. A progressive, fatal disease of the brain and spinal cord, chronic wasting disease affects wild and farmed cervids such as elk, deer, and moose. Following these detections, the CFIA took immediate action to support the province of British Columbia, including making enhancements to surveillance capacity and providing training and other resources. This support helped the province effectively respond and control any potential spread of the disease in wild and farmed cervid populations. Through these collaborative efforts, the CFIA and provincial authorities helped lessen the risk of exposure to humans and other animal species.

In 2023 to 2024, to address risks to human and animal health posed by animal disease, the CFIA:

• provided key laboratory staff additional training on testing methods for ASF and foot-and-mouth disease, which will enhance vital response capacity for Canada in the event of future foreign animal disease outbreaks
• collaborated with the Canada Border Services Agency and other federal government partners to enforce measures to keep Canadians and animals safe from dog rabies by prohibiting the import of commercial dogs from countries deemed high-risk for canine-variant rabies
• continued close collaboration with the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers to prevent and control animal disease and promote animal health and welfare
  • in 2023 to 2024, the Council, including Chief Veterinary Officers of each federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdiction in Canada, provided strategic direction, leadership, and expertise in response to a detection of bovine tuberculosis in Saskatchewan
• worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Public Health Agency of Canada to identify a new bovine tuberculosis bacterial strain from a Canadian farm as genetically distinct from strains historically observed in Canadian animals and humans
  • this helped confirm that the origin of the outbreak was an isolated incident not linked to previous outbreaks, which aided subsequent epidemiological investigations and supported market access continuity for Canadian livestock
• continued to impose certain restrictions on the import of feeds and grains from countries deemed high-risk for ASF
• issued conditional approval of a vaccine for bees that protects them from American foulbrood, the first ever vaccine for use in bees, which are essential to many sectors of food production and whose decline is a threat to Canada's honey and farming industries

Plant health is essential to Canada's economic prosperity and is directly linked to the health of people, animals, and the environment. As warming global temperatures drive the spread of invasive plant pests into new regions, there is a growing threat of irreversible and widespread damage to Canada's environment, agriculture, and forestry industries, and to the health of humans and animals. In 2023 to 2024, 41.6% of imports inspected by the CFIA were identified as posing a high risk of introducing plant pests into Canada. The CFIA works to mitigate these risks by enforcing science-based measures that aim to prevent the introduction of plant pests. When harmful foreign plant pests are detected in Canada, the CFIA takes immediate action to control their spread.

In 2023 to 2024, 1 new harmful foreign plant pest, oak wilt, was detected in Canada. This disease was detected at 3 locations in the province of Ontario. Oak wilt poses a serious threat to oak trees, and if it spreads, could have a major impact on Canada's forests. In response to this detection, the CFIA quickly initiated eradication measures, including the removal and destruction of infected trees. The CFIA also conducted targeted surveillance in the region of the detections to identify any further spread. As a result of these measures, this harmful plant pest was successfully contained, and no further instances were recorded in the region.

To help prevent the spread of plant pests like oak wilt, the CFIA conducts surveys and takes preventative measures, including the destruction of infected plants and movement controls. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA's control programs successfully limited the spread of 81% of the 32 regulated plant pests that are established in Canada, excluding what would be expected by natural spread. While this falls short of the CFIA's target of 95%, it is an improvement from the 78.1% achieved in 2022 to 2023.

To control the spread of plant pests and reduce the risk of their introduction to Canada, in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• continued ongoing response, containment, and control measures for infestations of Japanese beetle and spongy moth, including deploying traps in a combined 19,006 sites across Canada
• worked with local landowners and municipalities in affected regions to continue managing ongoing infestations of emerald ash borer and Japanese stiltgrass as these invasive plant pests threaten Canada's forests and biodiversity
• continued to enforce regulatory measures that aim to contain the spread of box tree moth and maintain pest-free areas critical to Canada's horticulture industry in the province of British Columbia
• leveraged new digital mapping tools for more strategic surveillance planning and collaborative data collection in order to help plant health inspectors work more efficiently in the field
• supported by new digital mapping tools, surveyed approximately 25,000 sites across Canada to detect new plant pests and monitor the spread of established pest populations, including emerald ash borer, Japanese beetle, plum pox virus, and hemlock woolly adelgid
• continued to develop and validate new test methods for oak wilt survey samples collected by provincial partners in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta
• collected and analyzed more than 2,000 soil samples for potato wart as part of the agency's third annual potato wart national survey
• enhanced trapping and targeted surveillance along high-risk trade corridors to prevent possible incursions of spotted lanternfly, an invasive plant pest that can be particularly harmful to vineyards and orchards
  • the CFIA responded to more than 30 spotted lanternfly reports made by the public and community science organizations in 2023 to 2024, which confirmed that this pest is not established in Canada

To mitigate risks to the environment, food safety, and plant, animal, and human health, the CFIA identifies and manages potential risk from fertilizers and supplements that are applied to plants and the soil. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA undertook work to identify and assess the risk posed by a class of substances called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals. PFAS are prevalent in the environment and can be found in municipal biosolids that are applied to agricultural land as a source of organic matter and nutrients.

Based on the results of the risk assessment, the CFIA proposed an interim standard for PFAS in municipal biosolids that are imported or sold in Canada as commercial fertilizers. This is a part of a broader Government of Canada suite of risk control measures intended to reduce human and environmental exposure to PFAS and PFAS-containing products from their point of manufacture through to their disposal.

2.2. Responding to Emergencies

The CFIA strives to prevent emergencies that threaten the safety of Canada's food and the health of its plants, animals, and people. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA continued to lead Canada's response to the ongoing national outbreak of HPAI. The CFIA also responded to several high-risk food safety events, including an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to cantaloupe.

When the CFIA receives reports of a serious illness that is potentially food-borne, the agency works with other public health authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada, to investigate potential causes and take all necessary measures to prevent further illness. The CFIA's responsibilities during a food safety investigation include tracing foods from the retail level through distribution to production or processing facilities to identify the suspected source of the problem, assessing the risk, and developing appropriate risk management strategies to control affected products.

The CFIA informs the public by issuing a food recall warning and oversees the implementation of the recall, which includes verifying that industry has effectively removed recalled food from the marketplace. If a food business is unable or refuses to conduct a voluntary food recall, the Minister of Health has the power to order a mandatory recall for any food that poses a health risk.

The CFIA notifies the public of these hazards as quickly as possible so that consumers can protect their health. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA issued 53 public warnings for high-risk food recalls, 98% of which were issued within 24 hours of a recall decision.

Figure 2: Notable 2023 to 2024 food recalls

Description for Figure 2: Notable 2023 to 2024 food recalls

Process of a recall

1. Trigger: The CFIA is alerted to a potential food safety issue
2. Food safety investigation: The CFIA confirms the hazard, finds the root cause, and collects information
3. Risk assessment: The CFIA determines the level of risk posed by the product and if a recall is required
4. Recall process: The manufacturer issues a recall and the CFIA alerts the public by issuing a recall warning
5. Follow-up: The CFIA monitors the situation until resolved and works with affected trade partners as necessary

2023 to 2024 Notable recalls:

• Salmonella in variety of Quaker Oat products
• Excessive levels of caffeine in 47 brands of imported caffeinated energy drinks
• Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria in imported infant formula
• Lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches imported from the U.S.
• Salmonella in certain chocolate, tahini, and halva products
• Salmonella in cantaloupe and cantaloupe products

Since 2021 the CFIA has been responding to the largest-scale outbreak of HPAI in Canadian history. While HPAI is not a food safety concern and the risk of transmission to humans remains low, this multi-year outbreak has led to the death of millions of birds in Canada and around the world. The HPAI virus can infect food-producing birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys as well as pet and wild birds.

In 2023 to 2024, to prepare for and respond to outbreaks of HPAI in a science-based manner consistent with international standards, the CFIA:

• worked with partners in the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network to recertify over 100 laboratory technicians across the network to perform diagnostic testing for HPAI, ensuring vital resource capacity for testing can be maintained
• shared epidemiological investigations of HPAI detections with industry and provinces to increase awareness and enhance biosecurity to prevent future infections
• reported HPAI detections in wildlife and domestic birds to international partners and authorities in a timely and transparent manner, meeting Canada's international commitments and contributing to effective tracking of this worldwide outbreak
• developed an Indigenous Emergency Responders Network to support collaboration and engagement with affected Indigenous communities
• leveraged support and surge capacity resources from British Columbian and Albertan provincial laboratories and from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support HPAI testing, which enabled timely response to ongoing outbreaks
• successfully completed 100% of animal health diagnostic testing, despite significant strain on animal health laboratory resources due to HPAI
• tested over 20,000 samples for HPAI at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in support of the response

2.3. Enhancing the emergency management toolkit

As Canada prepares for increasing threats to food safety and plant and animal health fueled by factors like climate change, the CFIA is taking measures to remain well-positioned to respond. In 2023 to 2024, to enhance its ability to respond to and support industry readiness for emergencies, the CFIA:

• ran an emergency preparedness exercise with the Canadian Plant Health Council to test the development of an inter-organizational notification process for plant health emergencies and examine best practices for inter-organizational communications
• built the CFIA's reserve of response capacity for wide-scale emergencies by delivering emergency response training to an additional 250 employees
• improved agency preparedness by developing emergency responder networks and enhancing the suite of emergency-based policies, guidance, and tools available to employees
  • approximately 1,400 employees are currently in the CFIA's emergency responder inventory and are ready to be deployed
• launched a new CFIA challenge through the Innovative Solutions Canada program for an easy-to-use, affordable, and sensitive test for HPAI to enable early detection and help control the spread of the disease in Canada
• advanced response plans to support the implementation of a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank for Canada, which will aid Canada's response to a potential outbreak
  • beginning in 2023, the Government of Canada has allocated $57.5 million over 5 years and $5.6 million ongoing to establish a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank and response plans
• modelled possible outbreak scenarios to support a potential Canadian HPAI vaccine policy for poultry, helping to advance a potentially valuable response tool for the future
• developed 3 new or improved testing methods for ASF, including methods that will enhance and streamline diagnostics, ASF research, enhance testing output, and enable increased testing capacity in the event of an outbreak
• worked with provincial and territorial partners to increase the use of the Canadian Food Safety Information Network, which supports timely and seamless information-sharing in the event of a food safety emergency
  • in 2023 to 2024, more than 64,800 laboratory testing results of food samples taken by partners were uploaded to the network's data repository, allowing partners to view and analyze larger data sets and get a more comprehensive picture of food safety risks across the country

2.4. Safeguarding market access for Canadian exports

The continued vitality of many Canadian industries relies heavily on their ability to access international markets. Outbreaks of contagious and deadly animal diseases like HPAI and ASF can significantly affect international trade, leading to market closures and restrictions on the movement of goods.

Industries at risk from threats to plant and animal health, including beef, pork, and forestry, are important contributors to Canada's economy and the prosperity of communities and workers across the country. The CFIA works to safeguard market access and protect trade continuity for key Canadian exports by establishing domestic programs that aim to control the spread of disease. The CFIA also collaborated with international partners to gain recognition for these programs. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• developed the National Framework and Standards for ASF Compartments to support the implementation of the Canadian ASF Compartment Program, which aims to control the spread of ASF in the event of an outbreak and support the domestic and international trade of live pigs, pork, and pork products
• worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on a case-by-case basis to maintain market access for cervids following new regulations mandating recognition of Canada's herd certification programs for chronic wasting disease
• continued working with the U.S. to address concerns regarding potato wart and maintain market access for Prince Edward Island potatoes to the U.S. through delivery of the Potato Wart Domestic Long Term Management Plan
• worked with Australia to recognize the Canadian Heat Treated Wood Products Certification Program as a safeguarding program for the brown marmorated stink bug, which allows registered Canadian facilities to export heat treated sawn wood to Australia from December to April without additional mandatory treatment
• collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on the harmonization of import processes, zoning arrangements, and emergency management for diseases such as ASF and HPAI in order to support continued market access in the event of an outbreak

Description for infographic

Supporting results: Safeguarding market access for Canadian exports

• Canada's "negligible risk" status maintained on the World Organisation for Animal Health disease risk status lists
• 31 markets maintained or gained for Canadian potatoes

3. Strengthening scientific collaboration and international cooperation

Scientific cooperation and collaboration are essential for advancing knowledge, informing decision-making, addressing global challenges, and delivery of the CFIA's mandate. The CFIA maintains important relationships with public health and scientific partners domestically and internationally. These collaborations allow the agency to gain diverse perspectives and expertise to tackle complex issues and promote scientific transparency.

By collaborating with other countries' competent authorities, the CFIA helps advance international regulatory and science-based initiatives and improve food safety and plant and animal health systems worldwide. The CFIA also works to enhance foreign competent authorities' understanding and knowledge of the Canadian sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory framework to facilitate bilateral trade.

3.1. Advancing scientific cooperation and collaboration

The CFIA is one of Canada's largest science-based regulatory agencies. Trusted and internationally recognized for scientific excellence and leadership, the CFIA regularly collaborates with academia, community scientists, Indigenous partners, international and domestic science-based organizations, and other government departments. In today's ever-changing global environment, these collaborations help the CFIA remain at the forefront of important scientific developments for food safety and plant and animal health. Key areas of scientific collaboration include laboratory diagnostics, surveillance, and risk assessment. For example, in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• connected science, Indigenous knowledge systems, and international partnerships through the CFIA's new Indigenous Science Office and organizations such as Te Ara Pūtaiaio of New Zealand and the International Buffalo Relations Institute
• co-authored 3 papers related to the impacts of climate change on plant health risks and invasive species, helping promote Canada's transparent and science-based approach to climate change and pest risk assessment
• worked with Vancouver Island University to set up a shellfish lab, providing training and knowledge transfer to staff and students for shellfish testing activities
  • the CFIA also collaborated with Vancouver Island University to complete a study on marine biotoxins stability in shellfish, which confirmed that sample preparation may be shared with other labs without affecting the validity of test results
• engaged with the Canadian Pacific Cross Border Group Shared Waters Alliance in an advisory role for investigation and remediation opportunities to enhance water quality and aquaculture opportunities and improve food security opportunities for Salish Sea Indigenous communities
• helped fight global food fraud by producing a global situational awareness report in collaboration with Health Canada that provided information on commodities commonly subject to food fraud and where food fraud is occurring around the world

Making publicly funded data accessible to Canadians promotes transparency, drives innovation, engages citizens, and facilitates collaboration. The CFIA's participation in open science initiatives empowers researchers globally to access valuable scientific information, fosters broader engagement, and extends the impact of Canadian science. To foster scientific transparency, in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• developed the Open Science Implementation Plan to define measurable goals, objectives, timelines, dependencies, and accountabilities related to scientific transparency
• enabled immediate and open access to food surveillance results by publishing datasets on the Open Government Portal
• contributed 22 scientific peer-reviewed articles into the Federal Open Science Repository of Canada, enabling free access to federally funded research outputs for Canadian scientific communities and abroad
• published 23 reports in the CFIA's Food Safety Testing Bulletin to share food surveillance results with the general public
• continued leadership and support for the Community for Emerging and Zoonotic Disease, including making intelligence and discipline-specific reports publicly available

As a scientific organization, the CFIA's collaborations with international scientists, foreign authorities, and other partners worldwide are crucial to staying up-to-date on the latest scientific advancements. The CFIA worked with international collaborators to support scientific advancement, build mutual knowledge, and help strengthen laboratory diagnostics and food safety systems. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• shared best practices for laboratory development to aid the Bahamas in plans to build a comprehensive food, plant, and animal health laboratory
• demonstrated Canada's integrated food safety system to a delegation of high-level officials from Vietnam, which helped build relationships between both countries and represented an opportunity for Vietnam to learn about Canada's integrated food safety system
• shared technical expertise and experience with the U.S. to support its move away from using live mice for shellfish biotoxin testing and adopting a humane approach
• strengthened Mexico's diagnostic capabilities for rabies testing through a multi-day training course at the CFIA's World Organisation for Animal Health Reference Laboratory in Ottawa

Description for infographic

The CFIA entered into 49 international arrangements that advanced Canada's interest in international regulatory cooperation science collaboration

International regulatory cooperation and scientific collaboration contribute to food safety and the protection of Canada's plant and animal resources. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA entered into 49 international arrangements that advance Canada's interests in international regulatory cooperation science collaboration, demonstrating the agency's commitment to working with international partners, networks, and authorities. Notably, partnerships with organizations like Reicks Veterinary Research and Consulting and the National Pork Board supported research efforts on ASF for both the scientific community and pork industry. Additionally, participation in joint initiatives with the European Food Safety Authority helped support shared commitments to address global food safety challenges.

The agency reciprocates knowledge-sharing to develop skills and expertise through continuous collaboration with its various networks worldwide, including the Biosafety Level 4 Zoonotic Laboratory Network. The CFIA's participation in these networks enhances technical skills and expertise to not only uphold Canadian regulatory and food safety standards, but also safeguard Canada's food safety system against potential threats and emergencies. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• delivered the second Indo-Pacific seminar on the CFIA and its regulatory framework for plants, animals, and food, which gave delegates from various countries the opportunity to participate in workshops and site visits to learn about the CFIA and Canada's sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory frameworks
• taught ASF diagnostics and testing, risk assessments, zoning, and compartmentalization in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture to countries of the Americas
• participated in 9 projects with the Plant Health Quint Collaboration Working Group, which includes the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S., that focused on biosecurity, collaborative research, and identifying and sharing tools and technologies for plant protection
• collaborated with the First Nations Health Authority in the U.S. to support Indigenous Guardians phytoplankton monitoring, ensuring new practices align with Canadian regulatory and food safety standards
• provided detailed technical information on Canada's meat production and inspection system by delivering a capacity-building activity on meat hygiene to Japan
• engaged in collaborative research with the European Phytosanitary Research and Coordination network to improve the identification, detection, and management of regulated and emerging pests

3.2. Promoting science-based approaches and international standards

The CFIA collaborates with other countries through a variety of international fora that aim to promote science-based initiatives, support predictable and transparent rules-based trade, improve regulatory harmonization, and address common issues. The agency also contributes to the development of international rules and standards that are based on science and enhance safety, fairness, and predictability in the international trade of food, plant, and animal products.

For example, in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA continued to lead Canada's engagement with the North American Plant Protection Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the International Plant Protection Convention, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes.

Alongside Health Canada, the CFIA also co-led Canada's engagement in the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The CFIA engages international standard-setting organizations to influence policy and promote the adoption of science-based international food standards, guidelines, and recommendations in areas for which the agency has a mandate.

Through these collaborations and engagements, significant progress was made on advancing Canadian positions and policy objectives related to international standard-setting and bilateral, plurilateral, or multilateral trade agreements. In 2023 to 2024, to promote science-based approaches and common international standards, the CFIA:

• led Canada's input on resolutions and draft standards at the 90th Annual General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health, including key resolutions intended to strengthen global control of HPAI
• held key leadership positions, including continuing to hold the vice-presidency of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants Council and being elected Canadian chair of the International Plant Protection Convention's Convention for Phytosanitary Measures until April 2025
• represented Canada and chaired the 47th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling, where progress was made toward updating requirements for allergen labelling based on current data and scientific advice
• chaired the meetings of the OECD Seed Schemes Technical Working Group, which supports the development of international standards for varietal certification to facilitate the movement of seed in international trade
• co-chaired the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Sanitary and Phytosanitary Joint Management Committee to review progress on bilateral trade issues

Key risks

In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA's ability to achieve its mandate was at constant risk due to challenges posed by shifts in the global trading environment, climate change, and the need to manage multiple concurrent emergencies. In response to these risks, the agency developed strategies and tools to understand and monitor the operating environment and mitigate the potential impacts. The following describes each risk and provides examples of key risk responses.

Risk: Multiple concurrent emergencies

What the CFIA faced

• HPAI, which has required an ongoing, intensive, and rapid national response
• preparations for the potential outbreaks of ASF and foot-and-mouth disease
• increased detection of invasive pests outside of known infested areas, such as Japanese beetle and emerald ash borer
• a number of high-risk food recalls, including cantaloupes and infant formula

Examples of risk responses

• imposed certain restrictions on the import of feeds, grains, and plant materials from countries deemed high-risk
• cross-trained laboratory staff in additional testing methods for various diseases, providing preparedness to vital response should Canada be faced with future foreign disease outbreaks
• continued to maintain strong domestic and international partnerships to exchange intelligence about emerging risks
• raised awareness of invasive species and other plant health issues through multi-media platforms and other communication products
• developed a Real Property Management Strategy, aimed at optimizing and modernizing the CFIA's portfolio to better support agency programs, align with government priorities, and deliver optimal value

Risk: Shifts in the global trading environment

What the CFIA faced:

• new and evolving trade policy directions from trading partners, including an increasing focus on the environment and sustainable food production
• global conflicts, protectionism, and increasingly complex non-tariff barriers to trade hindering the established science and rules-based trading system
• changing consumer trends, such as increased demand for sustainable packaging and concerns about food fraud

Examples of risk responses:

• collaborated with other government departments to open the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in the Philippines
• continued engagement in order to maintain and enhance trade with traditional and non-traditional trading partners
• participated in international standard-setting bodies to promote the adoption of science-based standards that improve predictability, encourage innovation, and support the economy
• provided technical expertise, in partnership with other federal government departments and industry, to facilitate the opening, re-opening, expansion, and maintenance of markets
• released multiple social media campaigns aimed at educating consumers on how to recognize and report different types of food fraud

Risk: Climate Change

What the CFIA faced:

• an increase in the prevalence, type, and geographical distribution of pests and diseases that affect plant and food production, forests, and plant species
• an increase in the prevalence and variety of animal and microbial food-borne diseases
• an increasing number of severe weather events that impact food safety, animal welfare, and plant health, affect the CFIA's ability to provide timely inspection and laboratory services, and hasten the deterioration of critical CFIA infrastructure

Examples of risk responses:

• prepared a preliminary climate change adaptation action plan to meet the Government of Canada's requirements
• collaborated with other federal departments, provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, and industry on how to collectively manage prioritized risks and vulnerabilities
• supported development and implementation of tools to ensure that climate change and sustainable development considerations are applied to the agency's policies, plans, and strategies
• launched the CFIA's new employee emergency notification system which sends out notifications in the event of an emergency or impact on critical infrastructure, such as a building closure
• followed a One Health approach, by assessing how interconnected impacts to issues encompassed by the agency's mandate could be managed

Resources required to achieve results

Table 2: Snapshot of resources required for safe food and healthy plants and animals

Complete financial and human resources information for the CFIA's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government-wide priorities

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Gender-based analysis plus

The CFIA is committed to ensuring that its policies, programs, and initiatives are developed and informed by a gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus) framework. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA completed the second year of a 4-year GBA Plus data collection strategy across all programs and business lines, which included 15 featured workshops. The goal of the strategy is to collect GBA Plus demographic data and establish credible qualitative and quantitative information to better inform decision-making and support monitoring and reporting requirements. The agency also worked to strengthen knowledge and practical application of the framework by re-establishing the CFIA's GBA Plus community of practice, hosting workshops, promoting relevant training opportunities, and leveraging available resources and data from other government departments and agencies to conduct GBA Plus. Additionally, during the twelfth annual Government-wide GBA Plus Awareness Week, the CFIA hosted an event on how 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians experience food insecurity and co-hosted an event with Environment and Climate Change Canada to explore practical approaches to intersectionality and inclusion in federal science. These events helped raise awareness of the importance of GBA Plus considerations in all of the CFIA's initiatives.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals

The CFIA is dedicated to safeguarding food, animals, and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment, and economy. Through the continued delivery of its mandate, the CFIA contributes to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to promote human health and environmental protection.

By monitoring food product compliance, enforcing and promoting compliance requirements in food establishments, investigating and managing food recalls, and removing unsafe food from the marketplace, the CFIA supports SDG 2 "zero hunger".

The CFIA's ongoing work to protect Canadians from diseases that may be transmitted from animals to humans supports SDG 3 "good health and well-being".

The CFIA also contributes to SDG 6 "ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" by enforcing accurate labelling of fertilizer and supplement products through the Fertilizers Regulations.

The CFIA supports SDG 10 "reduce inequality" through the application of the GBA Plus analytical process in the development and administration of its initiatives, regulations, programs, and services, and through continued efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples Act and related initiatives such as the newly-established Indigenous Science Office.

The CFIA contributes to SDG 12 "responsible consumption and production" by improving its environmental practices through waste diversion, transitioning its light-duty fleet to zero-emission vehicles, increasing clean electricity use, and strengthening its green procurement criteria.

The CFIA's commitment to transition to net-zero carbon and climate-resilient operations, including advancing Canada's National Adaptation Strategy and implementing the agency's Real Property Management Strategy, support SDG 13 "climate action".

By working to manage invasive species that threaten Canada's plant and animal resource base, the CFIA supports SDG 15 "protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss".

More information on the CFIA's contributions to Canada's Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in the CFIA's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Innovation

The CFIA looks for collaborative and innovative ways to protect the safety and economic viability of Canada's food, plant, and animal resources and is embracing new technology and increasing access to digital-first tools and services.

In 2023 to 2024, the agency found success using artificial intelligence to support the delivery of its mandate. The agency scanned information in digital applications, like the iNaturalist application, where the public uploads pictures and videos of plants and animals to generate reports that identify when and where plants and other living species were observed. These tools leverage intelligence from community scientists to help the CFIA respond more efficiently to detections of species of concern. Additionally, the agency has been developing new tools at the Saskatoon Laboratory using artificial intelligence and computer vision to identify seeds. The ability to identify plants rapidly and accurately is extremely important to prevent plant health risks, including economic losses in crop production and negative impacts on plant biodiversity and agricultural resources. Effective seed identification is also a requirement of plant health and seeds regulations to facilitate the safe use and trade of seeds for planting, import, export, and to minimize weed seeds in the seed pathways.

The CFIA continued to update and improve its Establishment-based Risk Assessment model, which is a data and algorithm-based tool that enables the agency to prioritize inspection of domestic establishments based on food safety risk by considering factors such as non-compliances linked to microbial and chemical hazards. As of April 1, 2023, the agency is assessing the food safety risk of all federally regulated domestic establishments. In addition, the agency completed the development, testing, and validation of the Importer Risk Assessment model, producing risk results for over 10,000 licensed food importers bringing products into Canada. These 2 models help identify the areas of higher risk, informing where the CFIA's inspectors should be spending more time to safeguard food and contribute to the health and well-being of Canadians. For example, the national implementation across the non-meat food sector through the Work Tasking Logic Model has shown an increase of approximately 50% in the delivery of planned inspections at higher risk establishments, saving up to 75% of administrative planning time.

The CFIA funds Canadian small businesses through the Innovative Solutions Canada program. This program stimulates research, development, and commercialization of Canadian innovations. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA launched and funded a new challenge seeking solutions from Canadian small businesses to develop an easy-to-use, affordable, and sensitive test for HPAI which would enable early detection and help control the spread of the disease in Canada.

In addition, the CFIA invested in the development of a portable test to detect domoic acid, which can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning, in marine waters. This test aims to inform harvesters of potential risks while strengthening scientific capacity to examine environmental triggers for toxin production and accumulation in marine foods. The results of these challenges are expected in 2024 to 2025.

The CFIA also funded the development of a field-ready, portable, and inexpensive device for use by the general public to detect marine biotoxins in shellfish at the point of harvest. The company has since advanced to the Innovative Solutions Canada testing stream and their working prototype is available for further testing. The development of this device has the potential to contribute to public health and safety and the sustainability of the Canadian shellfish industry by enabling companies, consumers, and Indigenous communities in remote areas to rapidly detect food safety hazards.

Program inventory

Safe food and healthy plants and animals is supported by the following programs:

• Setting Rules for Food Safety and Consumer Protection
• Food Safety and Consumer Protection Compliance Promotion
• Monitoring and Enforcement for Food Safety and Consumer Protection
• Permissions for Food Products
• Setting Rules for Plant Health
• Plant Health Compliance Promotion
• Monitoring and Enforcement for Plant Health
• Permissions for Plant Products
• Setting Rules for Animal Health
• Animal Health Compliance Promotion
• Monitoring and Enforcement for Animal Health
• Permissions for Animal Products
• International Standards Setting
• International Regulatory Cooperation and Science Collaboration
• Market Access Support

Additional information related to the program inventory for safe food and healthy plants and animals is available on the results page on GC InfoBase.

Internal services

In this section

• Description
• Progress on results
• Resources required to achieve results
• Contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

Description

Internal services are the services that are provided within a department so that it can meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. There are 10 categories of internal services:

• management and oversight services
• communications services
• legal services
• human resources management services
• financial management services
• information management services
• information technology services
• real property management services
• materiel management services
• acquisition management services

Progress on results

This section presents details on how the agency performed to achieve results and meet targets for internal services.

Fostering a diverse, inclusive, and enabled workforce

Every day, dedicated CFIA employees work to safeguard food and prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, and invasive species. Working in an increasingly dynamic and complex environment, in 2023 to 2024, the CFIA focused on the needs of the employees while supporting initiatives within the broader public service.

In response to the Clerk's Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service, the CFIA committed to making sure all voices are heard and stories are told, to truly move forward in combatting all forms of racism, discrimination, and other barriers to inclusion in the workplace. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• successfully developed an anti-racism action plan and began implementing initiatives, such as the career navigation service, which supported 25 Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour (BIPOC) employees
• launched a BIPOC official language training pilot program, resulting in 12 employees successfully completing second language evaluations in reading and writing
• hosted Safe Space sessions with various diverse networks through the Anti-Racism Task Force
• launched the Black Employee Network which is a unique voice and platform that will provide powerful opportunities to connect, collaborate and share lived experiences in a supportive and safe space

In support of the Accessible Canada Act, the CFIA continued to implement its 2023 to 2026 Accessibility Plan as part of its broader Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan 2022 to 2025. The Accessibility Plan describes the CFIA's vision to establish, maintain, and support a fully accessible, respectful, and inclusive workplace that values and enables people with different abilities. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• expanded duty to accommodate case management services in 2 new operational areas, bringing their services nationally while providing on-going, high volume operational support for case files
• enhanced training and awareness materials for new supervisors with regard to duty to accommodate and their supervisory responsibilities
• initiated a project at the Burnaby laboratory to create open-concept workspaces that accommodate the needs of D/deaf employees and students
• introduced the Diverse Selection Board Members Inventory in April 2023
• created a student inventory for persons with disabilities in Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island
• published the CFIA's Accessibility Plan Progress Report in December 2023

The CFIA continued to emphasize human resources service delivery that supports employees and managers. As a result, the agency was recognized for its employment practices and received 3 of the Canada's Top Employers competition awards, a project that recognizes the employers that lead the nation in creating exceptional places to work through innovative practices and forward-thinking human resources programs.

Efforts continued to recruit veterinarians, scientists, and members of employment equity groups, with an aim to increase representation of Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities. The CFIA engaged with post-secondary institutions about opportunities for recruitment of young or emerging leaders in the areas of animal and plant science, public policy, and veterinary science. This included attending career fairs, hosting information sessions at various educational institutions, and promoting the recruitment inventory, which resulted in the accumulation of approximately 640 candidates in the inventory and 66 referrals. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA also:

• continued to run the Veterinarian Summer Student Internship Program and received nearly 60 applicants, almost double from last year, from Universities across Canada and hired 14 students
• maintained the twice-annual Public Veterinary Medicine Rotation for veterinarian students
• expanded the 2023 cohort of the Indigenous Career Management for Employees Program, which supports professional skills and leadership development opportunities
• added a Veterinary Medicine category to the Federal Student Work Experience Program to assist students gain veterinarian experience across the government
• utilized digital recruitment tools, advertising blitzes targeting remote areas, and dedicated websites for veterinary job opportunities
• established a partnership for student learning with the British Columbia Provincial School for the Deaf to support D/deaf/Hard of Hearing youth to pursue science careers and have meaningful work experience and employment in agency or other government laboratories

Managing services and assets

The CFIA relies on an extensive network of people, equipment, buildings, and laboratories across Canada with specific areas of scientific expertise in animal and plant health, foreign animal diseases, and food safety.

In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA continued a review of the agency's real property portfolio in response to the Treasury Board Secretariat Fixed Asset Review and developed a Real Property Management Strategy. This strategy outlines the CFIA's vision to optimize and modernize the facilities that support its programs, while recognizing the current overall poor asset condition of the agency's real property portfolio, which is facing further strain due to the increased risk of extreme weather events in today's changing climate. The strategy aims to be responsive to CFIA and Government of Canada needs and priorities, provide best value, and advance organizational effectiveness and maturity.

The CFIA also continued work to renew the Sidney Centre for Plant Health, an updated facility expected to begin operating in 2025, which will provide modernized diagnostic testing for regulated plant diseases.

The Sidney Centre for Plant Health is located on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, which include the W̱JOŁEŁP (Tsartlip), the W̱SĺḴEM (Tseycum), the SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), the BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), and the MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) First Nations. The CFIA continued working with local First Nations communities to support skills development and local sourcing of resources for the construction of the facility. On September 20, 2023, the CFIA signed an Archaeological Protocol Agreement with the W̱SÁNEĆ. The agreement establishes the terms upon which cultural monitors will be on site to monitor earth altering works and expectations with respect to potential findings of ancestral remains or W̱SÁNEĆ artefacts during construction of the lab. Additionally, the agreement provides a process to ensure W̱SÁNEĆ rights of first refusal of any tree logs that are harvested to clear land for new buildings, and information sharing on other matters identified as of interest to all parties.

The CFIA recognizes the importance of adopting workplace technology that promotes innovation and collaboration in the delivery of its services. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA:

• equipped 1,103 additional work points in offices across the country, established 5 hubs for quick replacement and repair of malfunctioning electronic devices in key offices in the regions, equipped 54 boardrooms with video conferencing equipment, and upgraded networks at 23 CFIA offices facilities
• added 4 new M365 applications to mobile devices, giving employees access to the following new mobile applications Microsoft To Do, Whiteboard, Lists, and Stream on SharePoint, allowing them to collaborate on the go

The CFIA also continued to make progress on its fleet electrification and emission reduction plan to align with the net-zero targets outlined in the federal Greening Government Strategy. In 2023 to 2024, the CFIA used modernized data collection to develop a fleet reduction and greening strategy. This strategy led to the acquisition of 84 green vehicles, including 44 plug-in electric vehicles and the installation of 2 dual port charging stations, boosting the agency's total green vehicle inventory to 12%. Additionally, the CFIA made significant progress on lowering greenhouse gas emissions related to the agency's real property portfolio, achieving a 44.9% reduction between 2005 to 2006 and 2023 to 2024.

Progress on results

This section presents details on how the agency performed to achieve results and meet targets for internal services.

Resources required to achieve results

Table 3: Snapshot of resources this year for internal services

The complete financial and human resources information for the CFIA's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada departments are to meet a target of awarding at least 5% of the total value of contracts to Indigenous businesses each year. This commitment is to be fully implemented by the end of 2024 to 2025.

The CFIA's result for 2023 to 2024

Table 4: Table value of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses ^{Table Note 1}

In 2022, the CFIA introduced the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Businesses Action Plan, underscoring its strategic commitment to increase the total value of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses each year. Notably, the CFIA excluded contracts in relation to declared emergencies that threaten Canada's food safety, animal, or plant health. In these urgent situations, considering Indigenous business opportunities or conducting market analyses, typically done during procurement planning, is operationally infeasible.

In its 2024 to 2025 Departmental Plan, the agency forecasted that, by the end of 2023 to 2024, it would award at least 5% of the total value of its contracts to Indigenous businesses. With the action plan fully operational, the CFIA surpassed the 5% target by effectively planning procurements and identifying potential set-aside opportunities in 2023 to 2024. The contracts with Indigenous businesses encompassed a variety of goods and services, including Information Management and Information Technology consulting services, equipment, components, and parts, and professional and business consulting services, office furniture, equipment, and supplies. Notably, the CFIA excluded contracts in relation to declared emergencies that threaten Canada's food safety, animal, or plant health from its 2023 to 2024 calculations. In these urgent situations, considering Indigenous business opportunities or conducting market analyses, typically done during procurement planning, is operationally infeasible.

The CFIA is committed to using data analytics to identify and mitigate capacity gaps, recognize Indigenous opportunities and trends, and collaborate with other government organizations to enhance Indigenous business opportunities in federal procurement.

Spending and human resources

In this section

• Spending
• Funding
• Financial statement highlights
• Human resources

Spending

This section presents an overview of the agency's actual and planned expenditures from 2021 to 2022 to 2026 to 2027.

Budgetary performance summary

Table 5: Actual 3-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars)

Analysis of the past 3 years of spending

The increase in spending in 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 is primarily due to statutory compensation payments related to the HPAI outbreak, and operating expenses attributed to the HPAI emergency response.

More financial information from previous years is available on the Finances section of GC Infobase.

Table 6: Planned 3-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars)

Analysis of the next 3 years of spending

Planned spending in 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027 is decreasing primarily due to the sunsetting (or discontinuation) of various initiatives. When the anticipated renewal of sunsetting resources is included, planned spending is forecasted to be more stable.

More detailed financial information from previous years is available on the Finances section of GC Infobase.

Funding

This section provides an overview of the agency's voted and statutory funding for its core responsibilities and for internal services. For further information on funding authorities, consult the Government of Canada budgets and expenditures.

Graph 1: Approved funding (statutory and voted) over a 6-year period

Graph 1 summarizes the agency's approved voted and statutory funding from 2021 to 2022 to 2026 to 27.

Text description of Graph 1: Approved funding (statutory and voted) over a 6-year period

Year	2021 to 2022	2022 to 2023	2023 to 2024	2024 to 2025	2025 to 2026	2026 to 2027
Statutory	$128,080,446	$257,382,101	$273,347,788	$146,579,646	$143,322,859	$141,870,904
Voted	$696,368,388	$751,063,349	$805,973,698	$709,699,152	$654,223,319	$642,323,668
Total	$824,448,834	$1,008,445,450	$1,079,321,486	$856,278,798	$797,546,178	$784,194,572

Analysis of statutory and voted funding over a 6-year period

The increase in spending in 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 is primarily due to statutory compensation payments related to the HPAI outbreak and operating expenses attributed to the HPAI emergency response. There was also increased spending in 2023 to 2024 as a result of collective bargaining and the Sidney Centre for Plant Health. Planned spending in 2024 to 2025, 2025 to 2026, and 2026 to 2027 is less than in previous years primarily due to the sunsetting of various initiatives, and the lower level of renewed funding received for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a decrease of $15 million in 2024 to 2025 compared to the previous year.

For further information on the CFIA's departmental voted and statutory expenditures, consult the Public Accounts of Canada.

Financial statement highlights

The CFIA's complete financial statements (unaudited or audited) for the year ended March 31, 2024, are available online.

Table 7: Condensed Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the year ended March 31, 2024 (dollars)

Table 7.1 summarizes the expenses and revenues for 2023 to 2024 which net to the cost of operations before government funding and transfers.

The 2023 to 2024 planned results information is provided in the CFIA's Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and Notes 2023 to 2024.

Table 7.2 summarizes actual expenses and revenues which net to the cost of operations before government funding and transfers.

The CFIA's expenses for 2023 to 2024 were $1,088 million, a decrease of $55 million compared to 2022 to 2023. The difference is mainly due to a significant decrease in emergency response activities related to the HPAI outbreak in 2022 to 2023 countered by an increase in salary expenditures related to recently ratified collective agreements.

2023 to 2024 total revenues were $55.7 million, an increase of $2.5 million compared to 2022 to 2023 explained by an increase in revenues related to inspection fees.

Table 8: Condensed Statement of Financial Position (unaudited) as of March 31, 2024 (dollars)

Liabilities at the end of 2023 to 2024 were $217 million, a decrease of $16.6 million compared to the previous year. The change is mainly due to settlement of accrued compensation payments related to the HPAI outbreak. Liabilities were also impacted by an increase in allowance for retroactive payments for expired collective agreements. The increase in net financial assets of $8 million is due to an increase in amounts due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is reflective of financial authority used for an increase in accounts payable at year end. 2023 to 2024 total non-financial assets amounted to $230 million, an increase of $51 million compared to 2022 to 2023 due to growing investment in laboratories and information technology systems.

Human resources

This section presents an overview of the agency's actual and planned human resources from 2021 to 2022 to 2026 to 2027.

Table 9: Actual human resources for core responsibilities and internal services

Analysis of human resources over the last 3 years

The CFIA's FTEs are increasing over the 3-year period mainly due to operating expenses attributed to the HPAI emergency response and various new initiatives.

Table 10: Human resources planning summary for core responsibilities and internal services

Analysis of human resources for the next 3 years

Planned FTEs in 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027 are decreasing primarily due to the sunsetting of various initiatives.

Corporate information

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Departmental profile

Appropriate minister: The Honourable Mark Holland

Institutional head: Paul MacKinnon

Ministerial portfolio: Health

Enabling instrument: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act

Other assigned statutes:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act
• Food and Drugs Act
• Safe Food for Canadians Act
• Fertilizers Act
• Plant Breeders' Rights Act
• Plant Protection Act
• Seeds Act
• Health of Animals Act
• Feeds Act

Year of incorporation / commencement: 1997

Departmental contact information

Mailing address:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
1400 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9
Canada

Telephone: 1-800-442-2342 / 1-613-773-2342

TTY: 1-800-465-7735

Website: inspection.canada.ca

Supplementary information tables

The following supplementary information tables are available on the CFIA's website:

• Details on transfer payment programs
• Gender‑based analysis plus
• Response to Parliamentary committees and external audits

Federal tax expenditures

The tax system can be used to achieve public policy objectives through the application of special measures such as low tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and credits. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for these measures each year in the Report on Federal Tax Expenditures. This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs as well as evaluations and GBA Plus of tax expenditures.

Definitions

List of terms

appropriation (crédit)

Any authority of Parliament to pay money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

budgetary expenditures (dépenses budgétaires)

Operating and capital expenditures; transfer payments to other levels of government, departments or individuals; and payments to Crown corporations.

core responsibility (responsabilité essentielle)

An enduring function or role performed by a department. The intentions of the department with respect to a core responsibility are reflected in one or more related departmental results that the department seeks to contribute to or influence.

Departmental Plan (plan ministériel)

A report on the plans and expected performance of an appropriated department over a 3year period. Departmental Plans are usually tabled in Parliament each spring.

departmental priority (priorité)

A plan or project that a department has chosen to focus and report on during the planning period. Priorities represent the things that are most important or what must be done first to support the achievement of the desired departmental results.

departmental result (résultat ministériel)

A consequence or outcome that a department seeks to achieve. A departmental result is often outside departments' immediate control, but it should be influenced by program-level outcomes.

departmental result indicator (indicateur de résultat ministériel)

A quantitative measure of progress on a departmental result.

departmental results framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)

A framework that connects the department's core responsibilities to its departmental results and departmental result indicators.

Departmental Results Report (rapport sur les résultats ministériels)

A report on a department's actual accomplishments against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the corresponding Departmental Plan.

fulltime equivalent (équivalent temps plein)

A measure of the extent to which an employee represents a full person/year charge against a departmental budget. For a particular position, the fulltime equivalent figure is the ratio of number of hours the person actually works divided by the standard number of hours set out in the person's collective agreement.

gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus) (analyse comparative entre les sexes plus [ACS Plus])

An analytical tool used to assess support the development of responsive and inclusive how different groups of women, men and gender-diverse people experience policies, programs and policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

government-wide priorities (priorités pangouvernementales)

For the purpose of the 2023 to 2024 Departmental Results Report, government-wide priorities are the high-level themes outlining the government's agenda in the November 23, 2021, Speech from the Throne: building a healthier today and tomorrow; growing a more resilient economy; bolder climate action; fighter harder for safer communities; standing up for diversity and inclusion; moving faster on the path to reconciliation; and fighting for a secure, just and equitable world.

horizontal initiative (initiative horizontale)

An initiative where 2 or more federal departments are given funding to pursue a shared outcome, often linked to a government priority.

non-budgetary expenditures (dépenses non budgétaires)

Net outlays and receipts related to loans, investments and advances, which change the composition of the financial assets of the Government of Canada.

performance (rendement)

What an organization did with its resources to achieve its results, how well those results compare to what the organization intended to achieve, and how well lessons learned have been identified.

performance indicator (indicateur de rendement)

A qualitative or quantitative means of measuring an output or outcome, with the intention of gauging the performance of a department, program, policy or initiative respecting expected results.

plan (plan)

The articulation of strategic choices, which provides information on how an organization intends to achieve its priorities and associated results. Generally, a plan will explain the logic behind the strategies chosen and tend to focus on actions that lead up to the expected result.

planned spending (dépenses prévues)

For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to those amounts presented in the Main Estimates.

A department is expected to be aware of the authorities that it has sought and received. The determination of planned spending is a departmental responsibility, and departments must be able to defend the expenditure and accrual numbers presented in their Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports.

program (programme)

Individual or groups of services, activities or combinations thereof that are managed together within a department and that focus on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.

program inventory (répertoire des programmes)

Identifies all the department's programs and describes how resources are organized to contribute to the department's core responsibilities and results.

result (résultat)

A consequence attributed, in part, to a department, policy, program or initiative. Results are not within the control of a single department, policy, program or initiative; instead they are within the area of the department's influence.

Indigenous business (entreprise autochtones)

For the purpose of the Directive on the Management of Procurement Appendix E: Mandatory Procedures for Contracts Awarded to Indigenous Businesses and the Government of Canada's commitment that a mandatory minimum target of 5% of the total value of contracts is awarded to Indigenous businesses, a department that meets the definition and requirements as defined by the Indigenous Business Directory.

statutory expenditures (dépenses législatives)

Expenditures that Parliament has approved through legislation other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose of the expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made.

target (cible)

A measurable performance or success level that a department, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period. Targets can be either quantitative or qualitative.

voted expenditures (dépenses votées)

Expenditures that Parliament approves annually through an appropriation act. The vote wording becomes the governing conditions under which these expenditures may be made.