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), in the Canada Gazette, Part I.
This report summarizes the comments received via Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 157, Number 11: Regulations Amending the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability) and our clarifications to some of the comments. The participants' views expressed in this report do not reflect those of the CFIA or the Government of Canada.
We have continued to engage with various stakeholders and explored areas in the regulatory proposal where changes can be made based on feedback during the consultation.
On this page
- Background
- Summary of timelines
- Information sessions
- Documents incorporated by reference
- Guidance documents
- 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 early 2026. At that time, additional guidance and information sessions will be held to support stakeholders as the new regulations are implemented.
Information sessions
Under development
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
Guidance documents
The following guides were developed to help regulated parties understand the proposed regulatory requirements:
- a guide for livestock producers and owners
- a guide for operators of livestock sites (abattoirs, assembly points, feedlots, etc.)
- a guide for exporters, importers and livestock transporters
- a guide for distributors of approved indicators
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.