Mr. Chair, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s efforts to support regulatory reform and reduce unnecessary red tape.
For several years, the CFIA has been modernizing its regulations. The goal is to reflect the latest science, remove outdated requirements, better align with international partners and create more flexible and agile frameworks. As part of the Government of Canada’s Red Tape Review, the CFIA examined its existing regulations and how they are administered to identify new opportunities to reduce red tape and support the economic growth and resiliency of the agricultural sector.
We took a broad approach in our review. We looked at ways to remove unnecessary rules or prescriptive requirements in regulatory measures. We also considered non-regulatory actions to reduce duplication with other jurisdictions, streamline regulatory administration and improve service delivery. As we continue to find opportunities to reduce red tape, we remain committed to upholding the high standards that Canadians expect from our food safety and agricultural systems and to ensure access to international markets.
Our progress report on red tape outlines 26 actions: 12 that are recently completed or imminent, and 14 planned actions in the short, medium and longer term. It includes a mix of regulatory changes, of which there are 10; policy measures, of which there are 13; guidance, two; and proposed legislative amendments, one. We have grouped these actions under key themes, such as removing outdated rules, improving alignment across jurisdictions, streamlining requirements and providing flexibility, and enhancing client experience.
We deliberately identified policy actions where we could make progress in the short term, and longer-term initiatives where we need to further engage stakeholders and seek the appropriate authorities.
I'd like to briefly highlight a few examples of where we are making progress.
First, the CFIA has advanced an omnibus regulatory package focused on red tape. We have made a series of targeted amendments that address stakeholder issues by removing prescriptive requirements, providing increased flexibility for businesses, and levelling the playing field for Canadian producers. We are also looking to repeal outdated regulations that are no longer needed and burdensome without impacting health or safety.
Second, we've identified a series of actions to support international alignment and collaboration with key trading partners. We can be more efficient in our pre-market assessment process by sharing information and recognizing decisions from trusted foreign partners. This approach will help get new products to market faster. For instance, we recently created an alternative pathway recognizing decisions from the U.S. and EU on certain feed products to expedite their pre-market assessment and product approval in Canada.
Lastly, we know stakeholders want faster, more streamlined services and a more efficient delivery of services. That's why we're expanding our digital tools through the My CFIA online platform. For instance, we are moving various plant health programs online, creating a one-stop shop for stakeholders. We are also enhancing digital export certification to align with exporters' needs.
All these efforts not only enhance client experience but enhance trade and access to international markets.
In closing, our approach is about building a system that is efficient, predictable and responsive without compromising on science, food safety or market access. The actions outlined in our progress report are thoughtful, targeted and achievable, but we know that meaningful reform is not a one-time exercise. We will continue to work with stakeholders to identify new opportunities while delivering on the commitments we've already made.
Together, these efforts will reduce red tape, foster innovation and enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.
Thank you.