Language selection

Search

CFIA Forward Regulatory Plan: 2023 to 2025

This Forward Regulatory Plan (FRP) provides information on regulatory proposals that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) aims to propose or finalize in the next 2 years through:

The Forward Regulatory Plan 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 2023 and 2025. These initiatives are associated with the Regulatory Stock Review Plan.

Proposals under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act

Proposals under the CFIA Fees Notice

Proposals under the Feeds Act

Proposals under the Food and Drugs Act

Proposals under the Health of Animals Act

Proposals under the Plant Breeders' Rights Act

Proposals under the Plant Protection Act

Proposals under the Safe Food for Canadians Act

Proposals under the Seeds Act

Proposed regulations amending several regulations administered by the CFIA

Proposals under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act

Amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (hatchery)

Description of the objective

Administrative monetary penalties are one of several enforcement options available for the CFIA to respond to non-compliance. Amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations are being proposed to align with the recent amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations for hatcheries, and to introduce administrative monetary penalties for failure to comply with certain new requirements.

Enabling act

Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There are no business impacts or direct costs expected as a result of the proposed regulatory amendment. Administrative monetary penalties are only used as an enforcement tool, when necessary, to respond to instances of non-compliance.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

This initiative is a companion amendment to the proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations for hatchery. Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in fall 2024.

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 2021 to 2023 FRP.

Top

Amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (miscellaneous amendment regulations) – Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations

Description of the objective

Administrative monetary penalties are one of several enforcement options for the CFIA to respond to non-compliance. The amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations would be updated to reflect changes being made to the Health of Animals Regulations and the Plant Protection Regulations to address issues raised by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (SJCSR). One additional amendment is consequential to the Plant Protection Act amendments published on November 27, 2015. Other proposed amendments include repealing an item associated with the Safe Food for Canadians Act, and expanding the method of payment options to include credit cards and electronics fund transfers (EFTs).

Enabling act

Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There are no business impacts or direct costs expected as a result of the regulatory amendment.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

This initiative is a companion amendment to the Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations Amending the Health of Animals Regulations, the Plant Protection Regulations and the Seeds Regulations. Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in spring 2023.

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 2019 to 2021 FRP.

Top

Proposals under the CFIA Fees Notice

Amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice (Part 4 – aligning the feeds fees with the Feeds Regulations, 2023)

Description of the objective

These amendments would align the service descriptions and fees under Part 4 of the CFIA Fees Notice with the proposed Feeds Regulations, 2023. This would be carried out in 2 stages to coincide with the publication of the regulations (anticipated for fall 2023) and the delayed coming into force of the proposed licensing requirements (18 months after publication).

The first stage of amendments would align the service descriptions for feeds with the proposed Feeds Regulations, 2023 only. No changes would be made to the remaining fees and no new fees would be introduced as a part of this first stage of amendments. Updates to the service descriptions would be made at the same time as the Feeds Regulations, 2023. The second stage of amendments would propose a new licensing fee and licence renewal fee in order for the CFIA to implement the new licensing regime under the regulations. This second stage would follow approximately one year after the new Feeds Regulations are in force.

Enabling act

Canadian Food Inspection Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There would be business impacts, as there would be new fees introduced for issuing and renewing a licence. The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the full impact of the proposed changes.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

Public consultation is not required for the first stage of amendments as there would be no impacts on industry or the public as a result of these changes. It is anticipated that the first stage of amendments will be published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part I in fall 2023.

Stakeholders were consulted on the new licensing regime throughout the consultative process for the Feeds Regulations, 2023. The CFIA will continue to engage stakeholders on these proposed fees for licensing and licence renewals prior to their publication. It is anticipated that this second stage of amendments will be published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part I in fall 2024.

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.

Top

Amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice (Part 5 – fertilizer service descriptions)

Description of the objective

The modernized Fertilizers Regulations, which were published in October 2020, require that the CFIA be notified and approve changes being made to a registered product (the label, chemical composition or ingredients) only if the changes impact the identity of the product as a fertilizer or supplement, its safety or its use (registration amendments). Other changes can be made without notifying the Agency, which significantly reduces burden on regulated parties and the CFIA.

The current fertilizer service descriptions and their associated fees are not prescribed in the regulations; rather they are housed in the CFIA Fees Notice. The existing descriptions are very restrictive and not aligned with the intent of the modernized Fertilizers Regulations.

Amendments to the service descriptions (not the actual fees) would reflect burden reductions offered by the regulatory amendments made in 2020. They would also repeal fees associated with efficacy reviews and remove the concept of temporary registrations, as these services are no longer offered by the CFIA.

Enabling act

Canadian Food Inspection Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Impacts were assessed as part of the Fertilizer Modernization initiative. Therefore, no further business impacts or direct costs are expected as a result of these amendments. The changes to Part 5 of the CFIA Fees Notice would align the service fee descriptions with the modernized Fertilizer Regulations and do not introduce any incremental cost or burden on regulated parties or the CFIA.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

Stakeholder feedback was collected throughout the consultative process for the fertilizer regulatory modernization initiative, including through industry working groups, annual stakeholder meetings, online consultation, and the public comment period following Canada Gazette, Part I pre-publication of the Fertilizer Regulations. Throughout these engagements, stakeholders were supportive of limiting the triggers that require a registration amendment. It is anticipated that these amendments will be published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part I in summer 2023.

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 2021 to 2023 FRP.

Top

Amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice (Part 10 - meat products inspection fees)

Description of the objective

The CFIA charges certain fees for inspections and work shifts at meat establishments depending on the activities identified in an operators licence. Amendments to Part 10 of the CFIA Fees Notice would clarify which licensable activities require the application of the fees listed in Table 1 (meat product inspection fees) and Table 2 (annual fees per work shift).

Enabling act

Canadian Food Inspection Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these amendments will be published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part I in winter 2025.

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.

Top

Amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice (Part 11 – aligning the service fees for hatcheries with the Health of Animals Regulations)

Description of the objective

Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) were published on November 9, 2022 that modernize and consolidate the requirements for licensing and operating poultry establishments in Canada. As a result of these amendments, updates are required to align both the service descriptions and the service fees under Part 11 of the CFIA Fees Notice with the HAR.

This proposal is being carried out in 2 stages, the first of which was published on November 12, 2022 to coincide with the publication of the HAR amendments. The first stage aligned the service descriptions for hatcheries with the HAR amendments and repealed fees associated with services that are no longer offered by the CFIA. No changes were made to the remaining fees and no new fees were introduced as a part of this first stage of amendments.

The second stage of amendments would seek to introduce a licence renewal fee in order for the CFIA to implement the new licensing regime under the HAR.

Enabling act

Canadian Food Inspection Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There would be no business impacts as a result of the first stage of amendments as these changes would only align the service descriptions with the proposed HAR requirements for hatcheries and repeal fees for certain services no longer offered by the CFIA.

There would be business impacts as a result of the second stage of amendments. The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

Public consultation was not required for the first stage of amendments as there were no impacts on industry or the public as a result of these changes. The first stage of amendments were published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 12, 2022.

Stakeholders will be consulted on the second stage of amendments to the fees throughout the CFIA's review process and once the new HAR requirements for hatchery come into effect. It is anticipated that these amendments will be published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part I in winter 2025.

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.

Top

Amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice (Part 11 – non-application of fees in the case of emergency transit of regulated animals)

Description of the objective

Regulatory amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR), published on June 9, 2021, were made to allow regulated animals to transit through Canada and the United States during emergency situations (for example, when an area must be evacuated urgently and routine transportation routes in the country of origin are obstructed without any feasible alternatives) with simplified requirements.

Charging the current fees in emergency situations for established import and export activities would not align with the intention of the amendments that have been made to the HAR. In order to reduce impacts on businesses during an emergency situation, these amendments would seek to include a non-application clause in the CFIA Fees Notice for fees associated with the emergency transit of regulated animals to align with the intent of the amendments made to the HAR. Inclusion of a non-application clause in the CFIA Fees Notice would clarify that fees would not be charged in emergency situations.

Enabling act

Canadian Food Inspection Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

These amendments would aim to reduce the negative impacts on Canadians, including businesses, during emergency situations. The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes, however it is anticipated that there would be no business impacts as a result of these amendments.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

Public consultation is not required as there would be no impact on industry and the public during an emergency situation as a result of these amendments. It is anticipated that the proposed amendments will be published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part I in summer 2023.

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.

Top

Proposals under the Feeds Act

Feeds Regulations, 2023

Description of the objective

These proposed regulations, which were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on June 12, 2021, would modernize the Feeds Regulations, 1983 in order to reduce overlap and redundancy; increase responsiveness to industry changes; and address gaps, weaknesses and inconsistencies. The proposed regulations would also provide more clarity, flexibility and transparency to affected regulated parties.

Minimizing the risks associated with livestock feeds manufactured in or imported into Canada is one of the principal anticipated outcomes of the proposal. Feed is an integral component that underpins food production in Canada. Safe and effective feeds contribute to the production of healthy livestock and safe foods of animal origin for human consumption.

The proposed regulations would be less prescriptive, and more focused on the overall health and safety outcomes of the system. Under this proposed approach, feed operators would be required to conduct hazard identification and put in place preventive controls and good manufacturing practices to address risks posed by identified hazards. It would also introduce a strong, more transparent feed ingredient assessment and authorization process to support a safe and competitive feed supply chain. Lastly, it would better align Canadian feed requirements with those of international trading partners.

Amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice, Part 4 - aligning the feeds fees with the Feeds Regulations, 2023, would also be made to align with these changes.

Enabling act

Feeds Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There would be business impacts. The affected stakeholders include commercial feed manufacturers, ingredient manufacturers, on-farm feed manufactures, feed retailers/distributors, importers and exporters, and industry associations.

The "One-for-One" rule and the Small Business Lens would apply. The proposed regulations would support the protection of public health as well as animal health, reduce feed safety risks for animals and consumers, and create a level playing field for the feed industry. Other benefits include increased international and domestic regulatory alignment, a consistent and more effective feed safety approach to inspection and oversight by the CFIA, and an enhanced reputation for Canada as a global feed safety leader.

The CFIA would include a delayed coming into force and transitional provisions to assist industry readiness.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The proposed regulations reflect internationally recognized standards and management-based requirements, including good manufacturing practices. This has the effect of better aligning Canadian feed requirements with those of our trading partners.

Domestically, the CFIA is working to align the proposed regulations with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations wherever possible. This will provide for a consistent regulatory and enforcement approach across the CFIA.

The CFIA is working to stay informed of feed regulatory requirements in the United States and to align Canadian requirements wherever possible to facilitate future regulatory cooperation efforts. The CFIA is also considering European Union animal feed safety standards and requirements as part of the regulatory development process. The introduction of requirements for preventive control plans in the proposed regulations will better align with the approach taken in both the United States and the European Union. As a result, this will present new opportunities for greater regulatory cooperation and to facilitate trade.

Public consultation opportunities

The proposed regulations were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on June 12, 2021. A public comment period of 126 days was available for Canadians, other interested parties and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal. The CFIA has completed its analysis of all comments received during the Canada Gazette, Part I public consultation period and is making the appropriate changes to the regulatory package. A "what we heard" report was published on the CFIA website in December 2022.

The CFIA previously completed cross-country consultations in spring 2016 with affected stakeholders, followed by further targeted online consultations regarding technical documents to be incorporated by reference. Another consultation occurred in fall of 2020 on the proposed changes and economic impacts.

It is anticipated the final amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in fall 2023.

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 2014 to 2016 FRP.

Top

Proposals under the Food and Drugs Act

Amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (creating an agile framework for compositional standards)

Description of the objective

The way in which the current food compositional standards are structured under the Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) is not responsive to changes in technology or consumer demand. This can prevent or slow industry innovation.

The CFIA proposes to address this issue by using incorporation by reference to allow food compositional standards to be maintained and updated in a transparent, timely and efficient manner.

The incorporation by reference of FDR food standards was included in the three phases of the Food Labelling Modernization consultations in 2013, 2014 and 2016 to 2017. This also included a notification to the World Trade Organization.

This amendment is being developed in collaboration with Health Canada's "Modernize food regulations to enable innovative and safe foods for Canadians" initiative and is intended to use modern regulatory tools to help foster industry innovation while also protecting consumers from deception and enabling more informed purchasing decisions.

Enabling act

Food and Drugs Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There would be no immediate impact on Canadians since this regulatory amendment would not result in a change to the compositional standards. The amendment would result in a more agile regulatory structure that would allow the CFIA to respond to industry and consumer requests for change in a more efficient manner.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

This regulatory amendment would contribute to domestic and international cooperation efforts by facilitating subsequent alignment of Canada's compositional standards with international standard setting bodies and major trading partners.

Public consultation opportunities

In October 2022, the CFIA and Health Canada held an information session to provide food industry and health stakeholders with an overview of the regulatory proposal.

It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in fall 2023. 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 2013 to 2018 update as part of the Food Labelling Modernization initiative but was removed in 2019. This initiative was included as a separate initiative in the CFIA's 2020 to 2022 FRP and is proceeding in sync with Health Canada's "Modernize food regulations to enable innovative and safe foods for Canadians" initiative.

Top

Proposals under the Health of Animals Act

Amendments to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations (Schedule – regulated maximum amounts for bison)

Description of the objective

The proposed amendments to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations (CDAR), which were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on July 10, 2021, would revise the maximum monetary compensation amounts for bison ordered destroyed to reflect the current market value for bulls – 1 year and older – and all other bison. The objective of the CDAR is to encourage prompt reporting in the event of a disease outbreak. The new maximum compensation amounts represent the highest payment that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food can authorize under the CDAR. The actual amount of compensation to be paid to an owner or producer is calculated based on the current market value of the animal at the time it is ordered destroyed minus the value of its carcass, and not exceeding the maximum amount prescribed in the CDAR. These amounts were last reviewed in 2007.

Enabling act

Health of Animals 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.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

This initiative is an amendment to the maximum compensation values in cases where bison affected by a federally regulated disease are ordered destroyed. Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

These proposed amendments were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on July 10, 2021. A public comment period of 75 days was made available for Canadians and other interested parties to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal. It is anticipated that the proposed amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in summer 2023.

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 2019 to 2021 FRP.

Top

Amendments to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations (Eligible labour expenses)

Description of the objective

Under the Health of Animals Act (HAA), the Minister may order the disposal of an animal or thing where there is a risk of contamination by a disease. The Minister may order compensation to the owner of an animal that is destroyed as per the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations (CDAR). Compensation may include such costs that were "paid or incurred" by the owner in relation to the disposal of the animal. In some cases, the owner is best placed to most effectively complete the disposal activities as quickly as possible. This amendment would, in specific situations, provide the authority for the Minister to order compensation for an animal owner's personal labour for destruction and disposal activities as defined by the HAA and CDAR.

Enabling act

Health of Animals Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

An order for the destruction of an animal or thing affected by a disease, 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. This amendment would provide affected animal owners with the option to be compensated for personal labour related to the destruction and disposal of animals or things that may be compensated under the Health of Animals Act.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

This initiative is an amendment to the CDAR for animal owners affected by a federally regulated disease such that their animal is ordered destroyed. Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in summer 2023.

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 2023 to 2025 FRP.

Top

Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (cross-border transport biosecurity protocol)

Description of the objective

The Health of Animals Regulations contain biosecurity requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of certain livestock and poultry conveyances prior to entry into Canada. Cleaning and disinfection of conveyances represent one way to prevent the introduction of foreign, new and emerging animal diseases into Canada. Under the current regulations, conveyances used to transport swine and poultry to the United States must be cleaned and disinfected prior to returning to Canada.

The proposed regulatory amendments would provide flexibility to industry by allowing specific vehicles which have transported Canadian swine to the United States to be cleaned and disinfected in Canada upon their return if they are registered in a CFIA-approved third-party program that controls biosecurity risks. The aim of the amendment is to continue to prevent incursions of disease while accommodating industry by allowing flexibility in how this is achieved.

These regulatory amendments are contingent on legislative amendments to the Health of Animals Act, which are required to provide the CFIA with the authority to approve a program administered by a third party for specified purposes, such as preventing the introduction or spread of a vector, disease or toxic substance.

Enabling act

Health of Animals Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

As the proposed amendments would provide businesses with the option to register in a CFIA-approved third-party program and have specific vehicles cleaned and disinfected in Canada rather than in the United States, direct or indirect costs or savings to businesses resulting from selecting the option would be considered voluntary. 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)

The provincial governments of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have been involved in the development of the proposal.

Public consultation opportunities

A Notice of Intent (NOI) to amend the Health of Animals Regulations was published on June 10, 2019. Positive feedback on the notice has been received from industry as well as from the Province of Manitoba.

This initiative is dependent on legislative amendments to the Health of Animals Act, which are being sought as part of Bill S-6 (An Act Respecting Regulatory Modernization). As a result, it is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in fall 2023 once legislative amendments have been approved.

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.

Top

Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations, Part XV (livestock identification and traceability)

Description of the objective

Animal traceability is the ability to follow an animal through all stages of its life, with the objective of mitigating the impact from a disease outbreak or food safety issue. To support the ability to trace animals, requirements to identify bison, cattle, sheep and pigs, and to report the movement of pigs are already included under Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations.

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. This would reduce impacts on the agriculture industry, reduce the resources required by both industry and government related to response activities, and help maintain access to international markets.

This regulatory proposal would amend Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations to enhance livestock traceability by:

  • adding goats and farmed cervids (such as deer and elk) to national traceability requirements. These species would need to be identified and their events (for example, movement, death) would need to be reported
  • shortening the event reporting time requirement to 7 days (from 30 to 60 days), bringing alignment between all regulated species
  • introducing the requirement for the identification of livestock premises through provincial premises ID programs
  • introducing event reporting requirements for cattle, bison, sheep, goats and farmed cervids. This would align with pigs and farmed wild boars which are already subject to such requirements

In addition, proposed amendments would make the regulations more efficient and agile by:

  • amending animal indicator requirements to improve the collection of information and to allow for innovation and flexibility; and
  • repealing certain record keeping requirements for regulated parties
    • Under the proposed regulations, data would be reported and kept in central databases rather than in paper records

A traceability system contributes to food safety outcomes from a gate-to-plate perspective and would be compatible with livestock identification and movement reporting requirements adopted by provincial and territorial governments.

Enabling act

Health of Animals Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There would be business impacts. The affected stakeholders include the livestock industry, government, and Responsible Administrators (third parties). The "One-for-One" rule and the Small Business Lens would apply.

Significant positive impacts with respect to international trade in the event of disease outbreaks are anticipated.

The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Coordination with provincial and territorial governments has been undertaken to ensure regulatory consistency. Preliminary consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture has shown no trade issue with the proposed amendments.

Public consultation opportunities

The proposed amendments were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 18, 2023. A public comment period of 90 days began on that day for Canadians, other interested parties, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal.

The CFIA conducted 2 rounds of public consultations: the first in 2013, and the second in 2015. Engagement with stakeholders continued until as recently as fall 2022. Engagement activities were targeted towards national and provincial industry associations (representing bison, cattle, sheep, goat, deer, elk and pork producers); associations representing auctions, assembly yards, abattoirs and rendering plants, fairs and exhibitions, veterinary services; and provincial/territorial governments.

It is anticipated that these amendments will be published as final in the Canada Gazette, Part II in fall 2024.

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 update.

Top

Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (aligning Canada's regulations with international standards on pet food)

Description of the objective

The Health of Animals Regulations regulates importing pet food for non-commercial use. However, the CFIA has received comments from the public stating that the requirements are confusing and inconsistent.

Currently, the regulations allow individuals to feed their pet with pet food containing specified risk material, under certain conditions. However, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)'s international standard on specified risk material does not allow specified risk material in pet food under any circumstances.

Further to this, travellers arriving to Canada from the United States must have their pet present if they want to import pet food for non-commercial use without a zoosanitary certificate. This requirement acts as a barrier to the free movement of goods between the United States and Canada, and is not based on science.

These proposed amendments would align the HAR with the WOAH international standard for pet food, and allow travellers entering Canada from the United States to import pet food for non-commercial use without needing a zoosanitary certificate or to have their pet present.

Enabling act

Health of Animals 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 strengthen Canada's position with trading partners by aligning with international standards. They would also reduce trade barriers between the United States and Canada, as the United States does not require a pet to be present when a person imports personal amounts of pet food from Canada.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in fall 2024. 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 2022 to 2024 FRP.

Top

Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (improving regulatory agility in international waste management)

Description of the objective

The current Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) prevent regulated parties in the air and shipping industries from leveraging alternative technologies for disposing of certain waste accumulated on vessels and aircraft in transit to Canada. Specifically, the regulations require these industries to incinerate, heat-treat and/or place in a landfill international aircraft garbage and certain ship waste containing or suspected of containing animal products and animal by-products.

This proposal would create flexibility in international waste disposal requirements by adding a more outcome-based approach that would allow industry to adopt a variety of technologies. Regulated parties would need to demonstrate, based on scientific evidence, the efficacy of the alternative technology in mitigating risks to Canada's animal health resource base in order to gain the requisite CFIA approval to use the technology.

Amendments to the Health of Animals Act are needed first to obtain the required regulatory-making authorities. Regulatory changes can only occur after legislative amendments are made.

Enabling act

Health of Animals 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 already permits the use of approved alternative technologies for handling regulated garbage.

Public consultation opportunities

Once the legislative authorities are in place, the CFIA will begin stakeholder engagement on the proposed regulatory amendments.

Contingent on legislative amendments to the Health of Animals Act, it is anticipated that these proposed amendments to the HAR will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in 2025. 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 2022 to 2024 FRP.

Top

Proposals under the Plant Breeders' Rights Act

Amendments to the Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations

Description of the objective

The proposed amendments to the Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations would improve accessibility to the intellectual property framework, support a self-sustaining funding model for program delivery, and encourage greater investment and innovation in Canada's agriculture, horticulture, and ornamental sectors.

Plant Breeders' Rights are a form of intellectual property rights by which plant breeders can protect their new varieties in the same way an inventor protects a new invention with a patent. The legislative framework is designed to encourage increased investment in plant breeding in Canada and foster greater accessibility to foreign seed varieties for farmers. Modernizing Canada's plant variety intellectual property regime is a key element in growing and diversifying Canada's trade of agricultural commodities, both domestically and for export markets internationally.

This regulatory initiative would move forward following the outcome of discussions with the Plant Breeders' Rights Advisory Committee and consultations with the stakeholder community.

Enabling act

Plant Breeders' Rights 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 has reached out to provincial and territorial partners to inform them of this regulatory proposal.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in fall 2024. 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 FRP.

Top

Proposals under the Plant Protection Act

Amendments to the Plant Protection Regulations (updating regulatory measures and tools for plant pests)

Description of the objective

The proposed amendments to the Plant Protection Regulations (PPR) would enhance alignment with the CFIA's current approach to the management of plant pests, and provide greater flexibility to stakeholders. Specifically, this proposal would seek to remove or update the movement restrictions for some plant pests in Schedules I and II of the PPR. The proposal would also seek to incorporate by reference (IBR) Schedules I and II of the PPR to allow the list of regulated pests to be maintained and updated in a transparent, timely and efficient manner.

The incorporation by reference of Schedule II of the PPR would also facilitate the initiative to re-design the Newfoundland Quarantine Program (NQP) using a comprehensive risk-based approach. The Newfoundland Quarantine Program re-design initiative, which was previously on the CFIA's FRP, would be achieved through amendments to a future IBR document instead of seeking amendments to the regulations.

Additionally, to reduce administrative burden, proposed amendments would remove the requirement to provide hard copies of certain documents to the CFIA while maintaining the requirement to submit them electronically. These proposed amendments would strengthen compliance management by allowing the CFIA to take prompt and effective action to respond to instances of non-compliance, while also supporting flexibility in program delivery.

Enabling act

Plant Protection 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 business impacts would be positive as a result of the regulatory amendments.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in winter 2024. 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 2022 to 2024 FRP.

Top

Proposals under the Safe Food for Canadians Act

Amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (Interprovincial trade for Lloydminster)

Description of the objective

The City of Lloydminster is unique in that it is situated in both Saskatchewan (SK) and Alberta (AB). At present, SK and AB food  businesses in Lloydminster that prepare food for trade into the part of Lloydminster in the other province are subject to the interprovincial trade provisions of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).

To address the unique context of the city of Lloydminster, this amendment would make SK and AB businesses not subject to the specific provisions of the SFCR relating to interprovincial trade as long as the trade outside the province is limited to the city of Lloydminster. This would allow such food businesses to prepare food for trade into all of the city of Lloydminster, including the part of the city that is not within their province, without having to hold a Safe Food for Canadians licence and be subject to related requirements. SK and AB food businesses preparing food for export or interprovincial trade outside the city of Lloydminster would still continue to be subject to all SFCR requirements including licensing.

The goal of the regulatory amendment is for safe foods in the city of Lloydminster to move similarly as in cities that are not split by provincial boundaries.

Enabling act

Safe Food for Canadians Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Through an agreement between the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta, Food safety in the city of Lloydminster is overseen, at the provincial level, exclusively by Saskatchewan. The regulatory amendments to the SFCR support these provinces by ensuring that the city of Lloydminster is treated like any other city within the province of Saskatchewan, such as Regina or Saskatoon. No new requirements would be introduced and any impact on Canadian businesses is expected to be positive. Once the amendments come into force, some business in AB and SK may no longer be required to incur costs associated with holding an SFCR licence, traceability, and preventive controls. However, these cost savings would not be experienced by businesses which engage in international trade or interprovincial trade outside the city of Lloydminster. The CFIA is currently conducting analysis on the impact of the proposed changes.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The regulatory amendment is specific to food businesses in AB and SK that seek to trade food within the entire city of Lloydminster. The provincial governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan have been involved in the development of this proposal.

Federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers have agreed that pursuing interprovincial trade solutions should be a priority, including short term actions to address unique situations in border communities, such as Lloydminster. Alberta and Saskatchewan are strongly supportive of the CFIA taking concrete and meaningful steps to support economic growth within the city of Lloydminster.

At the same time, maintaining Canadian access to international food markets remains a top priority for all levels of government and industry. Strong practices around licensing, preventive controls, and traceability for food destined for export will be maintained.

Public consultation opportunities

A notice of intent (Notice of intent: Amendment to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations) was published in January 2023 signalling the planned regulatory amendments. It is anticipated that these amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette in spring 2023.

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 2023 to 2025 FRP.

Top

Amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (Part 3 - Licences – Clarification of work shift requirements)

Description of the objective

The proposed amendments would aim to clarify the work shift requirements under Part 3-Licences in the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations for food businesses that process, treat, preserve, manufacture, package, label or store meat. These amendments would permit the CFIA to have the authority to implement a more outcome-based oversight of these types of activities by providing flexibility to the work shift requirements when inspection oversight is not required.

Enabling act

Safe Food for Canadians 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)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in winter 2025. 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 2022 to 2024 FRP.

Top

Proposals under the Seeds Act

Amendments to the Seeds Regulations (seed modernization)

Description of the objective

These proposed amendments would modernize the Seeds Regulations as they apply to seeds 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; and 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.

Enabling act

Seeds 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

It is anticipated that these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in fall 2024. A public comment period will be available for Canadians and other interested parties to provide feedback on the regulatory proposal.

The CFIA will consult a broad range of stakeholders representing the full value chain regarding any proposed amendments. Consultations on proposed amendments may include the role of government and industry in terms of public-private partnerships for functions such as variety registration, seed standards and seed certifications.

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.

Top

Proposed regulations amending several regulations administered by the CFIA

Miscellaneous amendment regulations amending the Health of Animals Regulations, the Plant Protection Regulations, and the Seeds Regulations – Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations

Description of the objective

These amendments would address outstanding concerns from the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations respecting regulations pursuant to the Plant Protection Act, the Health of Animals Act and the Seeds Act. The most common issues identified by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations include: lack of clarity, lack of enabling authority, misalignment between the English and French versions of the regulatory texts, and inconsistent use of terminology. Additional miscellaneous amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations and to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations are also included in this proposal.

Enabling act

Plant Protection Act, Health of Animals Act, Seeds Act and Safe Food for Canadians Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There are no business impacts or direct costs expected as a result of the proposed regulatory amendment.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

This proposal addresses concerns from the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations and corrects discrepancies noted in various regulations; regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

It is anticipated that these amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in spring 2023.

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 2016 to 2018 FRP.

Top

Repeal of the Hatchery Exclusion Regulations

Description of the objective

Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) were published on November 9, 2022 that modernize and consolidate the requirements for licensing and operating poultry establishments in Canada, including those formerly prescribed under the Hatchery Regulations (repealed) and the Hatchery Exclusion Regulations, into a single part of the HAR. As a result of these changes, the Hatchery Exclusion Regulations will be repealed following the 12-month transitional period for the HAR amendments.

Enabling act

Health of Animals Act

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There may be business impacts, which are anticipated to be positive. The "One-for-One" rule will apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

Regulatory cooperation is not applicable in this context.

Public consultation opportunities

Public consultation is not required as the business impacts are expected to be positive as a result of the repeal of the Hatchery Exclusion Regulations. These regulations will be repealed in fall 2023.

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 2014 to 2016 FRP.

Top

Recent regulatory amendments

Additional information

Consult the CFIA's acts and regulations web page for:

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:

Top
Date modified: