The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it will pause all publication regarding proposed changes to the Health of Animal Regulations animal traceability system until the proposed changes are more widely understood and taken into consideration. The statement follows a public ask from Alberta ranchers to pause changes to allow more consultation with industry.--CP FILE PHOTO
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it will pause the publication of proposed changes to the country’s livestock traceability system until the proposed changes are heard more widely from industry.
The announcement Monday comes after the CFIA was made aware of public discussion around proposed amendments to the Health of Animal Regulations aims to support a “faster and more targeted” disease response to threats like bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as ‘mad cow disease,’ and foot-and-mouth diseases.
With the changes proposed for this year, the CFIA wants to close current gaps within the framework of Canada’s livestock traceability system and minimize economic disruptions caused by animal diseases.
“And help Canadian producers and processors remain competitive at home and abroad, while supporting long-term economic stability for business,” reads a release.
On Friday, the Alberta Beef Producers issued a release asking both the provincial and federal government to pause any amendments to allow further discussion with stakeholders in the beef industry.
According to the group of producers, a 90-day public consultation process which occurred in 2023 was not sufficient enough to address concerns from Alberta ranchers, and they are calling for “further review” to ensure any new regulations passed can be effectively and consistently implemented at the local farm and ranch level.
Provincial Ag Minister RJ Sigurdsson said publicly last week he has been in direct talks with his federal counterpart Heath MacDonald to echo those concerns.
“It is imperative that CFIA engage directly with industry before changes are made to ensure any regulatory updates avoid unintended consequences and do not negatively impact the livestock industry,” said Sigurdson.
The CFIA responded, stating it is committed to reducing red tape and regulatory reforms and says any changes will be “effective, practical and fit for purpose.”
One key change may require producers to obtain a premises identification number from their provincial government. This ID number would be required for purchasing tags, reporting information related to identification of cattle and their movement, as well as reporting the arrival of cattle.
The agency says when amendments are published the new changes will include a one-year transition period to support the implementation process followed by a graduated enforcement approach.
