This public statement describes key findings from the strategic environmental and economic assessment (SEEA) conducted for a Treasury Board submission on protecting against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada (the approved proposal).
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is committed to transparency and advancing the Government of Canada's priorities and goals on sustainable development and climate action, including environmental and socio-economic goals. This public statement explains how environmental and economic effects were considered during the proposal's development.
The proposal was led by the CFIA, with the support of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Summary of the approved proposal
The CFIA, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have renewed some elements of their BSE programming to maintain Canada's negligible BSE risk status. The program elements include disease surveillance, the removal of specified risk materials (SRM), and export certification processes, ensuring public health and supporting Canada's $5 billion beef export industry.
Objectives of the approved proposal
The initiative aligns with Canada's focus on food safety, sustainable agriculture, and economic development. By securing the reputation of Canadian beef in global markets, it ensures ongoing support for the agricultural sector and protects public health. Objectives include the following:
- protect public health through the identification and removal of SRM from the food chain, ensuring that tissues that may carry BSE prions are excluded from human and animal consumption
- These measures are mandated by Canadian regulations and supported by routine inspections at slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities
- maintain Canada's negligible BSE risk status
- the BSE surveillance program element ensures compliance with World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) standards
- surveillance focuses on high-risk cattle populations, and testing is performed to detect recurrence of BSE, safeguarding Canada's standing in international trade
- enhance international trade and market access through compliance with international BSE standards, the programming supports negotiations to access new markets and maintain existing ones
- This contributes to Canada's economic goals by reinforcing confidence in Canadian beef products worldwide
Key findings
The program has successfully reduced the risk of BSE transmission, with no recent cases reported in Canada. Key findings indicate that SRM removal, stringent feed bans, and a robust surveillance system are essential in maintaining negligible risk status. While economic analysis has been detailed, environmental effects such as greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity impacts are minimal.
Strategic environmental analysis
Effects on greenhouse gas emissions
No significant impact on emissions is associated with the program.
Effects on biodiversity
The program focuses on public health and trade, with negligible effects on biodiversity.
Other environmental effects
Measures like SRM removal and carcass disposal prevent contamination and safeguard ecosystems.
Climate change impacts and adaptation solutions
The program indirectly supports climate resilience through economic stability and public health measures but does not directly address adaptation strategies.
Effects on Canada's climate resilience
Maintaining a robust beef industry enhances economic and systemic resilience against global disruptions.
Strategic economic analysis
Qualitative economic assessment results
The program plays a critical role in maintaining access to international markets and boosting consumer confidence in Canadian beef. The negligible risk status enhances trade opportunities and supports thousands of jobs in the agricultural and processing sectors.
The CFIA works with federal bodies to ensure funding aligns with the economic priorities of maintaining high-quality beef exports.
Cross-cutting considerations
Indigenous Peoples' rights and climate leadership
The program considers Indigenous perspectives in its redesign and aligns with modern treaty obligations.
Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS)
Enhances public health and food safety, contributing to FSDS goals of sustainable food systems.
Public perspective on environmental aspects
Canadians broadly support the program due to its emphasis on safety and quality in beef production.
Fossil fuel subsidy
No direct implications are identified within the program's scope.
Implications for sustainable jobs
Program funding sustains employment in agriculture, inspection, and trade-related roles, contributing to stable rural economies.
Summary of how environmental and economic considerations were integrated in the proposal
The BSE program integrates public health priorities with economic sustainability by removing health risks, ensuring compliance with international trade standards, and supporting the agricultural economy. The program's balance of trade support and rigorous safety measures illustrates a commitment to a resilient and sustainable food system.