The Forward Regulatory Plan (FRP) provides information on regulatory proposals that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) aims to propose or finalize in the next two years through:
- pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I
- final publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II
The FRP may also include regulatory initiatives that are planned to come forward over a longer time frame. Comments or enquiries can be made using the contact information included with each regulatory initiative.
On this page
Regulatory initiatives
The following is a list of regulatory initiatives that the CFIA plans to propose or finalize between 2026 and 2028.
Proposals under the Health of Animals Act
Amendments to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations (maximum amounts for egg-laying hens and broiler breeder chickens) New 2026-06-16
Description of the objective
Under the Health of Animals Act, the Minister may order compensation to be paid to the owner of animals ordered destroyed. The Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations (CDATR) sets out the parameters for awarding compensation. The CDATR includes a Schedule listing maximum amounts for different animal species or production types. The maximum amount set out in the CDATR Schedule represents the cap or up to amount of compensation that may be awarded, noting that actual compensation amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis.
The CFIA, in collaboration with industry, is currently conducting a market analysis to determine whether the latest market values of egg-laying and broiler breeder chickens exceed the current maximum amounts.
Following the results of the economic and market analysis, the CFIA will explore possible regulatory amendments to update the maximum amounts for egg-laying and broiler breeder chickens in the CDATR Schedule to reflect the latest market values.
Enabling act
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
Under the Health of Animals Act, the CFIA may order the destruction of animals or things affected by a disease. Such an order, while unfortunate and difficult for all concerned, is often necessary to keep humans and other animals safe, and to keep export markets open.
The CFIA is dedicated to working directly with affected producers so that the compensation process runs as smoothly as possible and producers are compensated for the market value of their animals, up to the maximum amounts in the CDATR Schedule. The CFIA is currently conducting a market analysis in collaboration with industry to determine whether the latest market values of egg-laying and broiler breeder chickens exceed the maximum amounts and based on the results of this market analysis, may update the maximum amounts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)
Regulatory cooperation does not apply in this case, as the initiative only applies to owners whose animals are ordered destroyed.
Public consultation opportunities
The CFIA is engaging industry on the market analysis and data required to support a review of the maximum amounts. If regulatory amendments are required, it is anticipated that these amendments would be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in fall 2026.
Departmental contact
cfia.legislation-legislation.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the FRP
This initiative was first included in the 2026 to 2028 FRP.
Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations, Part XV (traceability) Updated 2026-06-16
As indicated in the CFIA statement in June 2026, the CFIA is planning to move ahead with updated livestock traceability regulations supported by industry. The CFIA continues to engage livestock sectors to determine the support for each component and to adjust the scope of the proposed regulatory package accordingly.
Description of the objective
Animal traceability is the ability to follow an animal through its life. It is essential for mitigating the impacts of disease outbreaks or food safety issues, while protecting the economic livelihood of the agriculture sector. To support the ability to trace animals, requirements to identify bison, cattle, sheep and pigs, and to report the movement of pigs are already required under Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR).
The objective of the proposed amendments is to enhance the traceability regulations to increase Canada's ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to animal disease outbreaks or other emergencies.
Following further engagement with each livestock sector on the various components of the package that are supported, this regulatory proposal would amend Part XV of the HAR to enhance livestock traceability by:
- incorporating the use of provincial premises identification numbers when purchasing tags and reporting events
- amending pig traceability requirements as supported by the pork sector (this would include modifying identification requirements for pigs moving through the slaughter stream as well as reporting requirements for export and deadstock)
- introducing identification requirements for goats and farmed cervids
- introducing event reporting (for example, slaughter, disposal, import, and export) for goats and farmed cervids
- introducing reporting of slaughter and export events for sheep
An improved national traceability system contributes to food safety outcomes and leads to quicker resolution of disease events, greater certainty for businesses, and stronger confidence in Canada's livestock system domestically and internationally.
This initiative is associated with the Regulatory Stock Review Plan.
Enabling act
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There would be business impacts. The affected stakeholders include the livestock industry, producers, government, and third-party traceability service providers. The "One-for-One" rule and the Small Business Lens would apply.
Positive impacts with respect to the domestic agriculture sector and international trade in the event of disease outbreaks are anticipated.
The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes. Separately, stakeholders gathered information and feedback from affected stakeholders through an online survey.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)
Coordination with provincial and territorial governments has been undertaken to ensure regulatory consistency across the country. Preliminary consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture has shown no trade issue with the proposed amendments. No concerns were raised by World Trade Organization (WTO) members during public consultation in 2023.
Public consultation opportunities
The CFIA is aware of public discussion regarding the proposed amendments. As a result, the CFIA paused any publication of the regulations until the proposed changes were more widely understood, and concerns are heard and taken into consideration. In support of this, the CFIA is continuing to engage with livestock sectors (goat, cervid, cattle, sheep and pig) and other stakeholders, including provincial/territorial governments, to ensure that the system is workable while maintaining strong animal health protections.
The proposed amendments were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 18, 2023. A public comment period of 90 days was available for Canadians, other interested parties, and the WTO to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal. A "What We Heard" report was published on February 12, 2024.
Following pre-publication in Canada Gazette, Part I, the CFIA continued to engage stakeholders to discuss and inform the regulatory proposal and address concerns that were raised by stakeholders during the Canada Gazette, Part I comment period. As part of this continued engagement, the CFIA held discussions with various stakeholders including:
- national and provincial industry associations
- Indigenous communities
- operators of various types of livestock sites
- veterinarians
- provincial governments
- industry-government groups
The CFIA reviewed the Canada Gazette, Part I submissions along with additional feedback from stakeholders and made changes to minimize burden and provide flexibility for stakeholders in the proposed regulatory requirements. The CFIA is continuing to listen to feedback and will conduct additional engagement activities to see if the scope of the regulatory package can be adjusted to address concerns while also bringing all ruminant species up to the same level with respect to traceability.
It should be noted that the CFIA also conducted two prior rounds of public consultations – in 2013 and 2015 – and actively engaged impacted sectors throughout the pandemic (2020 to 2022).
The amendments would be advanced for final publication in Canada Gazette, Part II once the proposed changes are more widely understood, concerns are considered, and once support for the various components is confirmed.
Departmental contact
cfia.legislation-legislation.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the FRP
This initiative was first included in the 2015 to 2017 FRP.
Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (improving regulatory agility in international waste management) Updated 2026-06-16
Description of the objective
The current Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) prevent regulated parties, including those in the shipping and airline industries from leveraging alternative technologies for disposing of certain waste accumulated on vessels and aircraft in transit to Canada. Specifically, the HAR requires these industries to incinerate, heat-treat and/or place in a landfill international waste containing or suspected of containing animal products and animal by-products.
Legislative amendments to the Health of Animals Act (HAA) are likely required before the CFIA can update the HAR to enable a more flexible approach to international waste management. The current regulation-making authority in the HAA is prescriptive, allowing regulations to be made only for the purpose of handling and disposing of imported waste. New authorities are likely required to expand this authority to make regulations that allow alternative treatment methods where materials are not disposed of afterwards (for example, treating materials which are then recycled). Given the legislative process and timelines, regulatory changes are not expected to move forward before 2028.
Following legislative changes to the HAA, the CFIA would seek regulatory amendments to the HAR. It would look to create flexibility in the international waste management requirements under the HAR by adding a more outcome-based approach that would allow industry to use alternative technologies to dispose of international waste on vessels and aircraft. This approach would require regulated parties to demonstrate, based on scientific evidence, the efficacy of an alternative technology in mitigating risks to Canada's animal health resource base to gain CFIA approval to use the technology. International waste that is treated with an approved technology could be diverted from landfills through other waste management methods, such as recycling or composting.
This initiative is associated with the Regulatory Stock Review Plan and the Digitalization and Technology-Neutral Regulations Roadmap.
Enabling act
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" rule and the Small Business Lens may apply. The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)
These amendments would better align Canada with its major international trading partners, such as the United States, which permit the use of approved alternative technologies for handling regulated waste.
Public consultation opportunities
As a first step, the CFIA would look to pursue legislative amendments to the HAA. Once the legislative authorities are in place, the CFIA would engage stakeholders and subsequently pre-publish regulatory amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I. A public comment period would be available for Canadians and other interested parties to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal.
Departmental contact
cfia.legislation-legislation.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the FRP
This initiative was first included in the 2022 to 2024 FRP.
Proposals under the Safe Food for Canadians Act
Amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (Unmet slaughter capacity) Updated 2026-06-16
Description of the objective
The CFIA is proposing a targeted time-limited regulatory exemption to the interprovincial trade requirements in the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) to address internal barriers to trade of meat where there is unmet slaughter capacity. This exemption to certain federal regulatory requirements would build on the CFIA's efforts to work with provinces and territories to address barriers to internal trade.
There is a lack of federally-licenced slaughter and processing capacity in Canada in rural/remote areas and for specific animal species like sheep. This creates an internal barrier to trade which contributes to higher food costs and food insecurity. To address this issue, the CFIA is proposing a time-limited targeted exemption under the SFCR when there is unmet slaughter capacity. The CFIA is proposing a targeted time-limited regulatory exemption to the interprovincial trade requirements in the SFCA and SFCR that would allow farmers to use provincially-licenced abattoirs to slaughter and send the meat for sale interprovincially under provincial oversight.
To protect Canada's export market access, the exemption will be targeted to an unmet need of slaughter capacity, only available to small businesses, and will be time-limited (for example, four years). This would allow farmers to seize opportunities in other provinces and allow provincial abattoirs to test markets in other provinces to determine if they wish to become federally licensed.
In addition, the CFIA would make additional regulatory amendments to reduce red tape in the meat sector and add clarity to the regulations. This includes updates to the SFCR to provide exceptions for certain continuous meat processing activities to occur beyond an approved work shift, and to the CFIA Fees Notice (Part 10 – Meat Products Inspection Fees) to clarify the fee for inspections in cold meat storage establishments.
Enabling act
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes, however it is anticipated that the amendments will have a positive impact on Canadian businesses. The proposed amendments would allow farmers to seize opportunities in other provinces and allow provincial abattoirs to test markets in other provinces to determine if they wish to become federally licensed. The "One-for-One" rule and the Small Business Lens may apply.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)
Targeted amendments to the SCFR to address unmet slaughter capacity supports federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) efforts to reduce internal barriers to trade. It directly supports commitments by FPT Ministers of Agriculture to address barriers to trade of agriculture and agri-food products through targeted efforts. Through the proposed regulatory amendment, the CFIA would create an enabling the regulatory environment and reduce the burden and costs that would enable Canadian businesses to test and access new markets within Canada and support the Government's efforts to strengthen food security and integrated supply chains. Cooperation with provincial authorities would ensure that food safety standards are maintained while allowing for more trade in areas that have unmet slaughter capacity.
The proposed changes are not expected to impact international trade. The targeted regulatory amendment would be time-limited, would address a very specific need (unmet slaughter capacity), and the volume of trade would be low. Food businesses preparing food for export outside of Canada would still be subject to all the applicable trade requirements, including licensing and food safety-related requirements.
Collectively, the amendments support the Government of Canada's commitment to build a One Canadian Economy by removing a known barrier to interprovincial trade in the meat sector and to support food security. It also aligns with the CFIA's efforts to reduce red tape to enable businesses to grow and contribute to Canada's economy.
Public consultation opportunities
It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in spring 2026. A public comment period will be available for Canadians and other interested parties to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal.
Departmental contact
cfia.legislation-legislation.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the FRP
This initiative was first included in the 2025 to 2027 FRP.
Proposals under the Seeds Act
Amendments to the Seeds Regulations (seed modernization) Updated 2026-06-16
Description of the objective
Proposed amendments would modernize the Seeds Regulations as they apply to seeds and seed potatoes that are imported, conditioned, stored, tested, labelled, exported and sold in Canada. The proposed amendments would:
- reduce overlap and redundancy
- increase responsiveness to industry changes
- address gaps, weaknesses and inconsistencies
- provide clarity and flexibility to affected regulated parties
The Seeds Regulations regulate seeds and seed potatoes in Canada that are sold, imported, or exported, as well as seeds released into the environment. Seeds and seed potatoes must meet established standards for quality and be labelled so that they are properly represented in the marketplace. Varieties of most major agricultural field crops must be registered prior to import or sale of seed.
This initiative is associated with the Regulatory Stock Review Plan and the Agri-food and Aquaculture Regulatory Roadmap.
This regulatory initiative is highlighted in the CFIA's Progress Report on Red Tape Reduction.
Enabling act
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" rule and the Small Business Lens may apply. The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)
While not part of a formal regulatory cooperation agenda, the CFIA will reach out to provincial, territorial and international trading partners to inform the development of this regulatory proposal.
Public consultation opportunities
The CFIA has been working closely with industry partners to update the Seeds Regulations. The CFIA created several working groups and held public consultations in 2021, 2023, and 2024. After each consultation, the CFIA published "What We Heard" reports to share the feedback received. These include the following:
- What we heard report: Winter 2024 consultation on seed regulatory modernization (excluding seed potatoes)
- What we heard report: Winter 2023 consultation on the seed regulatory modernization (excluding seed potatoes)
- What we heard report: Winter 2021 consultation on the seed regulatory modernization needs assessment survey for seeds and seed potatoes
Following these consultations, the CFIA developed policy papers setting out the strategic and policy direction for the new regulations and sought the public's feedback.
On July 29, 2025, the CFIA launched a 65-day consultation to seek feedback on the policy proposals to modernize the seeds regulatory framework (Parts I, III and IV of the Seeds Regulations). The feedback received has been shared in the following "What We Heard" reports. All feedback will inform the development of proposed regulatory changes.
- What we heard report: Summer 2025 consultation on future-proofing Canada's Seeds Regulations for a stronger tomorrow - Proposals to modernize Canada's seed regulatory framework
- What we heard report: Fall 2025 Indigenous Engagement on Seed Regulatory Modernization
In addition, on January 6, 2026, the CFIA launched a 30-day public consultation to seek feedback on policy proposals to modernize Canada's seed regulatory framework for seed potatoes (Part II of the Seeds Regulations). A "What we heard" report is expected to be published in Spring 2026 and the feedback received will inform the development of proposed regulatory changes for seed potatoes.
It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in winter 2027. A public comment period will be available for Canadians and other interested parties to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal.
Departmental contact
cfia.legislation-legislation.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the FRP
This initiative was first included in the 2017 to 2019 update.
Proposed regulations amending several regulations administered by the CFIA
Enhanced Feed Ban Harmonization - Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations, Feeds Regulations, 2024, Fertilizers Regulations and other consequential amendments Updated 2026-06-16
Description of the objective
The CFIA is exploring various regulatory amendments to align Canada's enhanced feed ban with United States (U.S.) requirements, while ensuring that animal and public health is protected, and Canada's international trade access is maintained.
Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations, Feeds Regulations, 2024, Fertilizers Regulations and possible consequential amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations, and the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations would align key elements of Canada's enhanced feed ban requirements with the U.S.
Canada is recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as having a negligible risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). However, Canada's enhanced feed ban has not adapted to evolving evidence or the global epidemiological situation. Canada's current requirements also exceed those of the U.S., which Canadian cattle industry has stated place them at a competitive disadvantage. Aligning with U.S. rules as appropriate, will remove trade barriers and give Canadian stakeholders more flexibility. To achieve this, the CFIA is proposing regulatory amendments that would permit the use of certain tissues currently considered Specified Risk Materials (SRM) in products not intended for human consumption (that is, non-ruminant livestock feed, fertilizers, and pet food).
This regulatory initiative is highlighted in the CFIA's Progress Report on Red Tape Reduction.
Enabling act
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" rule and the Small Business Lens may apply. The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)
These amendments would better align Canada with the U.S. requirements.
Public consultation opportunities
The CFIA has engaged and is working with a variety of industry sectors, such as producers, feed manufacturers, renderers, and other stakeholders to gather feedback to inform the regulatory policy. The CFIA is also engaging the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers and with key trading partners. It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in late spring 2026 for stakeholder feedback.
Departmental contact
cfia.legislation-legislation.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the FRP
This initiative was first included in the 2025 to 2027 FRP.
Recent regulatory amendments
Recently approved regulatory amendments enacted and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
Additional information
Consult Acts and regulations for:
- a list of acts and regulations administered by the CFIA
- information on the CFIA's implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives
- CFIA's Progress Report on Red Tape Reduction
Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:
To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit: