In 2023, we led a 90-day public consultation to seek comments on the proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability), as published in the Canada Gazette, Part I.
Following the consultation, we shared the What we heard report that summarizes the comments we received and offers clarifications to concerns raised. These comments reflect the views of participants, not those of the CFIA or the Government of Canada.
After reviewing the input received, we have continued working and engaging with stakeholders to explore other areas where the regulatory proposal could be strengthened.
These proposed changes to the federal livestock traceability requirements reflect adjustments made to date through ongoing engagement. These amendments are not yet in place and have not been finalized.
On this page
- Background
- Summary of timelines
- Information sessions
- Documents incorporated by reference
- Contact us
- Related information
Background
The goal of updating the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability) is to help governments and stakeholders efficiently and effectively prepare and respond to animal diseases, food safety issues and natural disasters. The amendments to the regulations would benefit the Canadian livestock sector, which includes livestock producers, operators of intermediate sites, abattoirs, renderers, importers, exporters and governments. As well as the objective of mitigating the risks and impact from disease outbreaks and protecting Canada's food supply and animal resource base, the enhancement of the regulations would also strengthen the ability for Canadian livestock businesses to access and maintain international markets.
Over the last decade, industry and government representatives have been working together extensively on the livestock traceability file. Multiple rounds of consultations with stakeholders have been conducted to discuss and obtain feedback on possible options to improve Canada's livestock traceability system.
Summary of timelines
We undertook an online consultation in Canada Gazette, Part I (CGI) from March 18, 2023, to June 16, 2023, on the proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability).
The CFIA anticipates publishing the final amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part II in 2026. At that time, additional guidance and information sessions will be held to support stakeholders as the new regulations are implemented.
These amendments are not currently in place and are not yet finalized. See Statement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on proposed amendments to livestock traceability regulations.
Information sessions
Information sessions will be available upon publication of the final amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
Documents incorporated by reference
The proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations includes 2 documents that are incorporated by reference (IBR). IBR is a drafting technique that introduces the content of a document into a regulation without having to reproduce the document's text in the regulation. If a document is incorporated by reference, the incorporated wording has the same effect as if it appeared in the regulations.
Proposed documents to be incorporated by reference
Contact us
If you have any questions or comments on the updates to the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability), please contact us at: cfia.trace-trace.acia@inspection.gc.ca.