Supplementary information tables: 2022 to 2023 Departmental Results Report
On this page
- Reporting on green procurement
- Details on transfer payment programs
- Gender-based analysis plus
- Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
- Response to parliamentary committees
- Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
- Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
- United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
Reporting on green procurement
This supplementary information table supports reporting on green procurement activities in accordance with the Policy on Green Procurement.
Context
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act but did not develop an optional 2022 to 2023 DSDS Report. Instead, to comply with the reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement for 2022 to 2023, the Reporting on Green Procurement supplementary information table was prepared and listed in the 2022 to 2023 Departmental Results Report.
Commitments
Greening government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations
| FSDS target | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions supporting the Greening Government goal and the Policy on Green Procurement | Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions. | Include environmental considerations in procurement instruments. | Performance indicators:
Targets:
|
|
|
| Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees. | Fulfill the requirements of the Policy on Green Procurement related to training, employee performance evaluations, procurement management processes and controls and using common use procurement instruments. |
Report on integrating sustainable development
During the 2022 to 2023 reporting cycle, the CFIA had no proposals that required a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and no public statements were produced.
Details on transfer payment programs
Federal Assistance Program (FAP)
Start date: 1997 to 1998
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Voted appropriation – annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014 to 2015
Link to departmental result(s): The FAP is linked to departmental result 1: food sold in Canada is safe and accurately represented to Canadians, departmental result 2: plant and animal resources are protected from diseases and pests and are safe for Canadians and the environment, and departmental result 3: Canadian food, plants and animals and their associated products can be traded internationally, as well as to our internal services.
Link to the department's Program Inventory: The FAP is linked to all programs under the CFIA's Program Inventory.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The FAP supports projects and initiatives that advance the CFIA's strategic outcome of a safe and accessible food supply and plant and animal resource base.
Results achieved: In 2022 to 2023, the CFIA provided 7 FAP contributions (2 new, 5 ongoing-multi-year). Recipients included academic institutions, a national producer association, animal health and plant protection organizations, and a national organization for dog enthusiasts.
Four FAP-funded projects were completed. These totalled approximately $460,000. The results achieved under the completed projects included:
- Strengthened scientific and technical knowledge of environmental DNA metabarcoding to enhance industry capacity to respond to emerging threats and regulatory challenges for plant and animal health in Canada
- The establishment of a national communications program regarding best management practices for biosecurity and food safety for small-scale pig producers
- The sustainment of an association-led public awareness program promoting accountable Canadian dog breeders as an alternative to purchasing imported dogs
- Completion of an initiative to enhance readiness for industry and provincial and federal governments to collectively respond to an incident of African swine fever in Canada
Findings of audits completed in 2022 to 2023: Not applicable.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022 to 2023: Not applicable.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022 to 2023: CFIA program managers conducted informal outreach and consultation with potential recipients to seek new project proposals that may be considered for support with FAP contributions. Eligible recipients include those whose goals and objectives are complementary to and supportive of the CFIA's mission and strategic outcome. This includes individuals, groups of individuals, agriculture and commodity organizations, and conservation districts.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2020 to 2021 actual spending | 2021 to 2022 actual spending | 2022 to 2023 planned spending | 2022 to 2023 total authorities available for use | 2022 to 2023 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022 to 2023 actual minus 2022 to 2023 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | $294,019 | $820,653 | $600,000 | $600,000 | $568,541 | ($31,459) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | $294,019 | $820,653 | $600,000 | $600,000 | $568,541 | ($31,459) |
Explanation of variances
The CFIA has the ability to approve FAP contributions beyond the planned amount, given that the manager (FAP contribution sponsor) can demonstrate funding availability within their operating funding. FAP contribution agreements stipulate the maximum amount that may be claimed by/reimbursed to the recipient for specific project costs (eligible expenditures). If the entire amount is not claimed, it is usually because the recipient did not make all the expenditures as forecasted in their application and written into the agreement.
Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC)
Start date: 2018 to 2019
End date: 2027 to 2028
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Voted appropriation – annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019
Link to departmental result(s): The ISC program is linked to departmental result 1: food sold in Canada is safe and accurately represented to Canadians, departmental result 2: plant and animal resources are protected from diseases and pests and are safe for Canadians and the environment, and departmental result 3: Canadian food, plants and animals and their associated products can be traded internationally, as well as to our internal services.
Link to the department's Program Inventory: The ISC program is linked to all programs under the CFIA's Program Inventory.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The ISC program supports the generation of new and unique intellectual property (IP), stimulation of Research and Development collaborations, and growth of small businesses in the Canadian innovation ecosystem.
Results achieved: In 2022 to 2023, the CFIA continued to develop, manage, and implement the ISC program within the agency. The CFIA advanced its ISC program by:
- awarding 2 Phase 2 grants to Canadian small businesses for challenges in the areas of plant and animal health
- posting a new challenge for Canadian innovators to obtain funding to develop a novel solution for the detection of environmental domoic acid in marine waters, and
- achieving the CFIA's $1.3 million spending target to support Canadian small businesses to start, grow and get to market across the grant and contract funding streams of the ISC program
Findings of audits completed in 2022 to 2023: Not applicable.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022 to 2023: Not applicable.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022 to 2023: Applicant and recipient engagement and consultation is conducted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2020 to 2021 actual spending | 2021 to 2022 actual spending | 2022 to 2023 planned spending | 2022 to 2023 total authorities available for use | 2022 to 2023 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022 to 2023 actual minus 2022 to 2023 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $299,646 | $300,000 | $613,779 | $850,000 | $850,000 | $236,221 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | $299,646 | $300,000 | $613,779 | $850,000 | $850,000 | $236,221 |
Explanation of variances
Due to opportunities within the grant stream, the CFIA transferred $236,221 from the operating stream of ISC to the grant stream to support eligible projects.
Statutory compensation payments
Start date: 1997 to 1998
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Compensation payments
Type of appropriation: Statutory authority under the Health of Animals Act (S.C. 1990, c. 21) and the Plant Protection Act.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 1997 to 1998
Link to departmental result(s): Statutory compensation payments are linked to departmental result 2: plant and animal resources are protected from diseases and pests and are safe for Canadians and the environment.
Link to the department's Program Inventory: Monitoring and enforcement for plant health, monitoring and enforcement for animal health.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Compensate Canadians, in accordance with the appropriate regulations, for plants or animals ordered destroyed for the purpose of disease control.
Results achieved: 332 recipients compensated for animals ordered destroyed and 38 recipients compensated for plants ordered destroyed.
Findings of audits completed in 2022 to 2023: Not applicable.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022 to 2023: Not applicable.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022 to 2023: Information is provided to the eligible producers when animals and/or plants are ordered to be destroyed.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2020 to 2021 actual spending | 2021 to 2022 actual spending | 2022 to 2023 planned spending | 2022 to 2023 total authorities available for use | 2022 to 2023 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022 to 2023 actual minus 2022 to 2023 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $10,346,580 | $3,816,364 | $12,500,000 | $119,382,097 | $119,382,097 | $106,882,097 |
| Total program | $10,346,580 | $3,816,364 | $12,500,000 | $119,382,097 | $119,382,097 | $106,882,097 |
Explanation of variances
The variances between actual spending and planned spending for Statutory Compensation Payments in 2022 to 2023 are primarily due to the avian influenza outbreak. Statutory Compensation Payments vary from year to year, depending upon the various outbreaks which occur across Canada. Planned spending for Statutory Compensation Payments is difficult to forecast because the occurrence of diseases are unpredictable.
Gender-based analysis plus
Section 1: institutional GBA plus capacity
Governance
The CFIA's Policy and Programs Branch maintains a team of analysts who work on Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and serve as a GBA Plus Focal Point, to help ensure that the CFIA considers the impact of our programs, policies, and services on diverse sub-populations and underrepresented groups in Canada.
The Focal Point works with all branches and program areas to raise awareness on the GBA Plus requirements and provides guidance on the application of available disaggregate data to inform Cabinet documents and budget proposals. The Focal Point also sits on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) GBA Plus Advisors Network, and participates in quarterly Government of Canada-wide focal-point meetings hosted by the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE).
The Vice-President, Programs and Policy Branch, is the CFIA Chief Diversity Officer, and is responsible for promoting awareness of GBA Plus with senior management and governance. GBA Plus analysis is conducted by program officers as part of their ongoing activities based on best available information, and one full-time equivalent is assigned to provide overall support in integrating GBA Plus considerations across business lines.
Capacity
CFIA officials focused on strengthening the agency's knowledge of GBA Plus through internal presentations and ongoing collaboration. The CFIA also celebrated the 10th edition of GBA Plus Awareness Week with an event that highlighted how applying GBA Plus and integrating it into analysis and program design can lead to more responsive and inclusive initiatives. There was an increase in the number of presentations, consultations, collaboration, knowledge, and buy-in concerning GBA Plus analysis and GBA Plus data.
The continued implementation of the Health Portfolio Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Policy will allow for a greater understanding of how the CFIA's regulations, programs, and services affect underrepresented and vulnerable populations.
For all programs, the CFIA uses available census data from Statistics Canada for the agriculture and agri-food sector as well as socio-economic analysis by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), relevant policy think tanks, and AAFC. In addition, the agency consults scientific literature published by international competent regulatory authorities and relevant international standard-setting organizations including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the Codex Alimentarius Commission for food safety standards, and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for animal health standards. This is in line with the One Health approach to all health-related issues including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and food security, vector-borne diseases, environmental contamination, and other health threats shared by people, animals, and the environment.
Ongoing digitization of CFIA services through tools such as the agency's Digital Service Delivery Platform (DSDP) and its public-facing counterpart, My CFIA, will also provide a key opportunity to acquire and further disaggregate data. In addition to enabling businesses to trade their products more rapidly, and supporting market diversification and long-term economic growth in the food, plant, and animal sectors, these tools will also equip the CFIA with quicker, more reliable data and reporting tools. For GBA Plus, they will capture at regular intervals GBA Plus-related metrics for some indicators, primarily those related to income, geographic location and type of activities engaged in by regulated parties.
Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Animal Health Compliance Promotion
Program goals: The program informs, motivates and encourages industry and public compliance with the CFIA's animal health and welfare protection regulations and policies by delivering accessible, plain language and user-centric tools, products, services and guidance.
Target population: Veterinarians, farmers, animal product industry (import and export).
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Veterinarians, farm operators, and the Canadian animal product industry at large are the targeted beneficiaries. Men between 35 to 64 years of age make up the majority of farm operators. As of 2022, there are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada, 62% being women, 37% being men, and 1% being of undisclosed or unknown gender identity. However, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 189,874 farms reported in the 2021 Census of Agriculture, 10% had only women operators and 32% had both women and men operators, with the remaining 58% having only men operators. In 2021, those under the age of 35 accounted for 8.6% of farm operators. The majority of farm operators (64.8%) were between 35 to 64 years of age, with the remaining 26.6% aged 65 and over. In 2016, among all visible minority identifying individuals employed in agricultural production occupations, 76.7% were employed as general farm workers and labourers, compared to 41% among Canadians employed as general farm workers and labourers in agricultural production occupations, who were not visible minority identifying.
Among the 53,340 beef cattle farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% men. Among the 16,665 dairy cattle farm operators in 2021, 27% were women and 73% men. Among the 4,245 hog farm operators in 2021, 29% were women and 71% men. Among the 7,575 poultry and egg farm operators in 2021, 36% were women and 64% men. Among the 5,230 sheep and goat farm operators in 2021, 41% were women and 59% men. Among the 23,275 other animal farm operators in 2021, 41% were women and 59% men.
Supplementary information sources
Veterinary Demographics (2022)
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines are tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Food Safety and Consumer Protection Compliance Promotion
Program goals: The program informs, motivates and encourages industry and public compliance with the CFIA's food safety and consumer protection regulations and policies by delivering accessible, plain language and user-centric tools, products, services and guidance.
Target population: All Canadians, food production, import and export stakeholders.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Second group: Somewhat benefits low income individuals (Somewhat progressive) |
| By age group | First group: Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations Third group: Primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Improving the effectiveness of these activities is anticipated to provide an indirect benefit to those of lower income levels, younger and older Canadians, rural and Indigenous communities, and those who experience food insecurity, by ensuring that the food they have access to is safe. Men between 35 to 64 years of age make up the majority of farm operators, however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 189,874 farms reported in the 2021 Census of Agriculture, 10% had only women operators and 32% had both women and men operators, with the remaining 58% having only men operators. In 2021, those under the age of 35 accounted for 8.6% of farm operators. The majority of farm operators (64.8%) were between 35 to 64 years of age, with the remaining 26.6% aged 65 and over. In 2016, among all visible minority identifying individuals employed in agricultural production occupations, 76.7% were employed as general farm workers and labourers, compared to 41% among Canadians employed as general farm workers and labourers in agricultural production occupations, who were not visible minority identifying.
In 2018, 20% of food and beverage processing enterprises were majority-owned by women, another 13% were equally-owned by women and men, and 43% were majority owned by men. Ownership of the remaining 24% of enterprises was unknown. In food and beverage manufacturing, in 2016, 13.0% of employees were under age 25, compared to 9.1% across all manufacturing sectors. 63.4% of food and beverage manufacturing employees were aged 25 to 54, 20.1% were aged 55 to 64, and 3.5% were 65 years and over. In food and beverage manufacturing, 27.9% of employees in 2016 had visible minority status compared to 23.4% across all manufacturing sectors, and 20.8% in the labour force as a whole.
Supplementary information sources
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Market Access Support
Program goals: The program develops and maintains a predictable and science-based international regulatory framework so Canada can influence international standards and trade rules that facilitate safe international trade, increase confidence in Canadian food, plants and animals, and increase market access.
Target population: All Canadians, food importers, food exporters, agri-food and food production industries, international trading partners, individuals in other countries.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Forth group: Somewhat benefits high income individuals (Somewhat regressive) |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Food importers, food exporters, agri-food and food production industries in Canada, international trading partners, and individuals in other countries are expected to benefit. Application of GBA Plus to the negotiation and implementation of free trade agreements provides an opportunity to consider potential impacts across all three of the CFIA's business lines – food, plant and animal. All Canadians and Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector are expected to benefit uniformly from agreements that improve market access and facilitate the flow of trade to, from and within Canada. This includes the potential to increases market access for marginalized groups. No barriers to access/participation nor negative impacts are currently anticipated.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Not available.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Further platform enhancements are expected to improve data related to export requests to better understand sectors, businesses and export trends. Along with ongoing engagement data, the CFIA will continue to gather and analyze DSDP data to learn more about potential barriers, impacts and needs of the agency's diverse clients and stakeholders then improve its programs and services accordingly. This program captures, at regular intervals, GBA Plus metrics for some indicators, related to income, business size, geographic location and type of activities.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: International Regulatory Cooperation and Science Collaboration
Program goals: The program directs and coordinates the CFIA's international relations and engagements, promotes regulatory alignment, facilitates technical assistance or advice to trade partners, and ensures that Canada implements international trade measures.
Target population: All Canadians, food importers, food exporters, agri-food and food production industries, international trading partners, individuals in other countries.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Forth group: Somewhat benefits high income individuals (Somewhat regressive) |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Food importers, food exporters, agri-food and food production industries in Canada, international trading partners, and individuals in other countries are expected to benefit Application of GBA Plus to the negotiation and implementation of free trade agreements provides an opportunity to consider potential impacts across all three of the CFIA's business lines – food, plant and animal. All Canadians and Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector are expected to benefit uniformly from agreements that improve market access and facilitate the flow of trade to, from and within Canada. This includes the potential to increases market access for marginalized groups. No barriers to access/participation nor negative impacts are currently anticipated.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Not available.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Further platform enhancements are expected to improve data related to export requests to better understand sectors, businesses and export trends. Along with ongoing engagement data, the CFIA will continue to gather and analyze DSDP data to learn more about potential barriers, impacts and needs of the agency's diverse clients and stakeholders then improve its programs and services accordingly. This program captures, at regular intervals, GBA Plus metrics for some indicators, related to income, business size, geographic location and type of activities.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: International Standards Setting
Program goals: The program develops and maintains a predictable and science-based international regulatory framework so Canada can influence international standards and trade rules that facilitate safe international trade, increase confidence in Canadian food, plants and animals, and increase market access.
Target population: All Canadians, food importers, food exporters, agri-food and food production industries, international trading partners, individuals in other countries.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Forth group: Somewhat benefits high income individuals (Somewhat regressive) |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Food importers, food exporters, agri-food and food production industries in Canada, international trading partners, and individuals in other countries are expected to benefit. All Canadians and Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector are expected to benefit uniformly from agreements that improve market access and facilitate the flow of trade to, from and within Canada. This includes the potential to increases market access for marginalized groups. No barriers to access/participation or negative impacts are currently anticipated.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Not available.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Further platform enhancements are expected to improve data related to export requests to better understand sectors, businesses and export trends. Along with ongoing engagement data, the CFIA will continue to gather and analyze DSDP data to learn more about potential barriers, impacts and needs of the agency's diverse clients and stakeholders then improve its programs and services accordingly. This program captures, at regular intervals, GBA Plus metrics for some indicators, related to income, business size, geographic location and type of activities.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Monitoring and Enforcement for Food Safety and Consumer Protection
Program goals: The program designs and carries out inspection and surveillance programs to verify, through inspection, surveillance, and laboratory testing, industry's compliance with food safety, labelling, food compositional standards, and other requirements, and takes enforcement action when the requirements rules are not met or takes control and response when risk is present. Engages with industry on program delivery. Monitors and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the food program requirements.
Target population: All Canadians.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Second group: Somewhat benefits low income individuals (Somewhat progressive) |
| By age group | First group: Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations Third group: Primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Improving the effectiveness of these activities is anticipated to provide an indirect benefit to those of lower income levels, younger and older Canadians, rural and Indigenous communities, and those who experience food insecurity, by ensuring that the food they have access to is safe. No barriers to access/participation or negative impacts are anticipated. Men between 35 to 64 years of age make up the majority of farm operators; however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 189,874 farms reported in the 2021 Census of Agriculture, 10% had only women operators and 32% had both women and men operators, with the remaining 58% having only men operators. In 2021, those under the age of 35 accounted for 8.6% of farm operators. The majority of farm operators (64.8%) were between 35 to 64 years of age, with the remaining 26.6% aged 65 and over. In 2016, among all visible minority-identifying individuals employed in agricultural production occupations, 76.7% were employed as general farm workers and labourers, compared to 41% among Canadians employed as general farm workers and labourers in agricultural production occupations, who were not visible minority-identifying.
In 2018, 20% of food and beverage processing enterprises were majority-owned by women, another 13% were equally-owned by women and men, and 43% were majority owned by men. Ownership of the remaining 24% of enterprises was unknown. In food and beverage manufacturing, in 2016, 13.0% of employees were under age 25, compared to 9.1% across all manufacturing sectors. 63.4% of food and beverage manufacturing employees were aged 25 to 54, 20.1% were aged 55 to 64, and 3.5% were 65 years and over. In food and beverage manufacturing, 27.9% of employees in 2016 had visible minority status compared to 23.4% across all manufacturing sectors, and 20.8% in the labour force as a whole.
Supplementary information sources
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Monitoring and Enforcement for Animal Health
Program goals: The program designs and carries out inspection, surveillance and testing activities to verify that industry complies with regulatory and program requirements for animal health and welfare, aquatic animal health, veterinary biologics, animal feeds, aquatic animal products and animal products and by-products. The program also carries out enforcement action when the rules are not met.
Target population: All Canadians, animal health stakeholders.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Men between 35 to 64 years of age make up the majority of farm operators. As of 2022, there are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada, 62% being women, 37% being men, and 1% being undisclosed or unknown gender identity. However, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 189,874 farms reported in the 2021 Census of Agriculture, 10% had only women operators and 32% had both women and men operators, with the remaining 58% having only men operators. In 2021, those under the age of 35 accounted for 8.6% of farm operators. The majority of farm operators (64.8%) were between 35 to 64 years of age, with the remaining 26.6% aged 65 and over. In 2016, among all visible minority identifying individuals employed in agricultural production occupations, 76.7% were employed as general farm workers and labourers, compared to 41% among all not a visible minority Canadians employed as general farm workers and labourers in agricultural production occupations.
Among the 53,340 beef cattle farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% men. Among the 16,665 dairy cattle farm operators in 2021, 27% were women and 73% men. Among the 4,245 hog farm operators in 2021, 29% were women and 71% men. Among the 7,575 poultry and egg farm operators in 2021, 36% were women and 64% men. Among the 5,230 sheep and goat farm operators in 2021, 41% were women and 59% men. Among the 23,275 other animal farm operators in 2021, 41% were women and 59% men.
Supplementary information sources
Veterinary Demographics (2022)
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Monitoring and Enforcement for Plant Health
Program goals: The program designs and carries out inspection, surveillance and testing activities to verify that industry complies with plant health regulatory and program requirements, and carries out enforcement action when the rules are not met.
Target population: All Canadians, plant health stakeholders.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Plant health stakeholders are expected to benefit. Men make up the majority of plant farm operators; however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 85,695 grain and oilseed farm operators in 2021, 26% were women and 74% men. Among the 7,360 vegetable and melon farm operators in 2021, 33% were women and 67% men. Among the 10,230 fruit and tree nut farm operators in 2021, 34% were women and 66% men. Among the 7,665 greenhouse, nursery and floriculture farm operators in 2021, 35% were women and 65% men. Among the 41,190 other/mixed crop farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% men.
Supplementary information sources
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Permissions for Animal Products
Program goals: The program provides regulatory permission in the form of licenses, permits and registrations, as well as certificates and other documentation, in a timely manner, so Canadian businesses and/or residents can operate and/or move a product.
Target population: Veterinarians, farmers, animal product industry (import and export).
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Men between 35 to 64 years of age make up the majority of farm operators. As of 2022, there are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada, 62% being women, 37% being men, and 1% being undisclosed or unknown gender identity. However, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 189,874 farms reported in the 2021 Census of Agriculture, 10% had only women operators and 32% had both women and men operators, with the remaining 58% having only men operators. In 2021, those under the age of 35 accounted for 8.6% of farm operators. The majority of farm operators (64.8%) were between 35 to 64 years of age, with the remaining 26.6% aged 65 and over. In 2016, among all visible minority identifying individuals employed in agricultural production occupations, 76.7% were employed as general farm workers and labourers, compared to 41% among all not a visible minority Canadians employed as general farm workers and labourers in agricultural production occupations.
Among the 53,340 beef cattle farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% men. Among the 16,665 dairy cattle farm operators in 2021, 27% were women and 73% men. Among the 4,245 hog farm operators in 2021, 29% were women and 71% men. Among the 7,575 poultry and egg farm operators in 2021, 36% were women and 64% men. Among the 5,230 sheep and goat farm operators in 2021, 41% were women and 59% men. Among the 23,275 other animal farm operators in 2021, 41% were women and 59% men.
Supplementary information sources
Veterinary Demographics (2022)
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Permissions for Food Products
Program goals: The program processes and issues permissions in the form of licences, permits and registrations, as well as certificates and other documentation, so Canadian businesses and/or residents can operate and/or move products.
Target population: Food producers, importers and exporters.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Food producers, importers, and exporters are anticipated to benefit from this program. Men between 35 to 64 years of age make up the majority of farm operators; however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 189,874 farms reported in the 2021 Census of Agriculture, 10% had only women operators and 32% had both women and men operators, with the remaining 58% having only men operators. In 2021, those under the age of 35 accounted for 8.6% of farm operators. The majority of farm operators (64.8%) were between 35 to 64 years of age, with the remaining 26.6% aged 65 and over. In 2016, among all visible minority identifying individuals employed in agricultural production occupations, 76.7% were employed as general farm workers and labourers, compared to 41% among Canadians employed as general farm workers and labourers in agricultural production occupations, who were not visible minority identifying.
In 2018, 20% of food and beverage processing enterprises were majority owned by women, another 13% were equally-owned by women and men, and 43% were majority owned by men. Ownership of the remaining 24% of enterprises was unknown. In food and beverage manufacturing, in 2016, 13.0% of employees were under age 25, compared to 9.1% across all manufacturing sectors. 63.4% of food and beverage manufacturing employees were aged 25 to 54, 20.1% were aged 55 to 64, and 3.5% were 65 years and over. In food and beverage manufacturing, 27.9% of employees in 2016 had visible minority status compared to 23.4% across all manufacturing sectors, and 20.8% in the labour force as a whole.
Supplementary information sources
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Permissions for Plant Products
Program goals: The program provides regulatory permission in the form of licenses, permits and registrations, as well as certificates and other documentation in a timely manner, so Canadian businesses and/or residents can operate and/or move products.
Target population: Plant health stakeholders, plant importers and exporters.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Plant health stakeholders, and plant importers and exporters are expected to benefit. Men make up the majority of plant farm operators; however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 85,695 grain and oilseed farm operators in 2021, 26% were women and 74% men. Among the 7,360 vegetable and melon farm operators in 2021, 33% were women and 67% men. Among the 10,230 fruit and tree nut farm operators in 2021, 34% were women and 66% men. Among the 7,665 greenhouse, nursery and floriculture farm operators in 2021, 35% were women and 65% men. Among the 41,190 other/mixed crop farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% men.
Supplementary information sources
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Plant Health Compliance Promotion
Program goals: The program informs, motivates and encourages industry and public compliance with the CFIA's plant production and resource protection regulations and policies by delivering accessible, plain language and user-centric tools, products, services and guidance.
Target population: Plant health stakeholders.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Plant health stakeholders are expected to benefit. Men make up the majority of plant farm operators; however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 85,695 grain and oilseed farm operators in 2021, 26% were women and 74% men. Among the 7,360 vegetable and melon farm operators in 2021, 33% were women and 67% men. Among the 10,230 fruit and tree nut farm operators in 2021, 34% were women and 66% men. Among the 7,665 greenhouse, nursery and floriculture farm operators in 2021, 35% were women and 65% men. Among the 41,190 other/mixed crop farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% men.
Supplementary information sources
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Setting Rules for Animal Health
Program goals: The program develops and reviews rules documents using input such as current science, risk analysis, international standards, and research and surveillance of animal diseases and other hazards to animals. These, along with stakeholder collaboration, form the basis of the agency's risk-based, One Health approach to its program design and content.
Target population: All Canadians, CFIA inspectors.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Second group: 60 per cent – 79 per cent men |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
According to PeopleSoft and Human Resources, the majority of the CFIA's inspectorate identify as men. Therefore, men, specifically those employed as inspectors by the CFIA, are anticipated to be more impacted.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Not available.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Setting Rules for Food Safety and Consumer Protection
Program goals: The program includes developing and maintaining rules (for example, regulations, guidelines, standards, and policies) to reduce risks to food safety and consumer protection in Canada's food supply chain. It is risk-based and aims to protect the health of Canadians, keep them safe from harmful and/or misleading practices, and facilitate domestic and international trade.
Target population: All Canadians.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Second group: Somewhat benefits low income individuals (Somewhat progressive) |
| By age group | First group: Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations Third group: Primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Improving the effectiveness of these activities is anticipated to provide an indirect benefit to those of lower income levels, younger and older Canadians, rural and Indigenous communities, and those who experience food insecurity, by ensuring that the food they have access to is safe. No barriers to access/participation nor negative impacts are currently anticipated.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Not available.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making. In 2022, the Setting Rules for Food Safety and Consumer Protection program began a review of the Program Inventory Profiles (PIPs) where the above indicator was determined to be relevant for GBA Plus analysis.
Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals
Program name: Setting Rules for Plant Health
Program goals: The program puts in place rules to protect Canada's plants, plant products and environment. The purpose of these rules are to:
- Prevent the entry and spread of plant pests and noxious weeds in Canada
- Verify the quality of seeds, and
- Ensure the safety of plants with novel traits, fertilizers, supplements and other plant products to Canadians and the environment
Target population: All Canadians, plant health stakeholders.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Third group: Broadly gender-balanced |
| By income level | Third group: No significant distributional impacts |
| By age group | Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Plant health stakeholders, and plant importers and exporters are expected to benefit. Men make up the majority of plant farm operators; however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access/participation or negative impacts.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Other key program impacts
Among the 85,695 grain and oilseed farm operators in 2021, 26% were women and 74% men. Among the 7,360 vegetable and melon farm operators in 2021, 33% were women and 67% men. Among the 10,230 fruit and tree nut farm operators in 2021, 34% were women and 66% men. Among the 7,665 greenhouse, nursery and floriculture farm operators in 2021, 35% were women and 65% men. Among the 41,190 other/mixed crop farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% men.
Supplementary information sources
Canadian Census of Agriculture
GBA Plus data collection plan
The CFIA GBA Plus Data Strategy has been approved based on a four-year timeline. In 2022, the CFIA completed year one of a four-year GBA Plus data collection strategy. Each of the business lines has been tasked with the development of a GBA Plus Data Collection Plan by the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs and business lines by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gathered relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Scales
Gender scale
- First group: predominantly men (80% or more men)
- Second group: 60% to 79% men
- Third group: broadly gender-balanced
- Fourth group: 60% to 79% women
- Fifth group: predominantly women (80% or more women)
Income‑level scale
- First group: strongly benefits low‑income individuals (strongly progressive)
- Second group: somewhat benefits low‑income individuals (somewhat progressive)
- Third group: no significant distributional impacts
- Fourth group: somewhat benefits high‑income individuals (somewhat regressive)
- Fifth group: strongly benefits high‑income individuals (strongly regressive)
Age‑group scale
- First group: primarily benefits youth, children or future generations
- Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors
- Third group: primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation
Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
Response to parliamentary committees
On June 15, 2022, the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans presented its fifth report, Traceability and Labelling of Fish and Seafood Products. The report focused on ways to increase clarity regarding the Government of Canada's responsibility and accountability in addressing fish and seafood traceability. The Committee requested a government response to 13 recommendations. A government response was tabled on October 17, 2022.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
There were no audits in 2022 to 2023 requiring a response.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
There were no audits in 2022 to 2023 requiring a response.
United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
| UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | 2022 to 2023 planned initiatives | Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets | 2022 to 2023 results |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. | Facilitating the implementation of requirements under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations which supports an integrated, outcome-based food safety system. | These activities contribute to advancing: Global target 2.1: "By 2030 end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round". |
Completed in 2021. All five agri-food sectors are fully subject to the SFCR. |
| SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. | Meeting Greening Government Strategy targets with respect to Waste Reduction and Transition To Zero-Emission Vehicles. | This Strategy contributes to advancing: Global target 12.5: "By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse". |
|
| Meeting Greening Government Strategy targets with respect to Green Procurement. | These activities contribute to advancing: Global target 12.7: "Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities". |
|
|
| SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. | Identifying and assessing CFIA climate change vulnerabilities and risks to support a climate change adaptation plan. | These activities contribute to advancing: Global target 13.2: "Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning". |
Completed. |
| SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. | Minimizing the spread and introduction of invasive alien species that affect Canada's plant resources by promoting compliance and carrying out enforcement activities. | These activities contribute to advancing: Global target 15.8: "By 2030, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species". |
0 new pests and spread of 7 out of 32 established regulated pests. |
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