Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair.
As was outlined, the government is actively working to reduce reliance on animal testing, with the ultimate goal of phasing out animal testing over time. However, as it stands currently, alternatives have not been sufficiently developed in order to replace all of the animal testing that's required to ensure the safety of Canadians from chemicals.
The term “refine” is intended to be included in the scope of efforts to reduce animal testing, such that when animal testing is absolutely essential to protect Canadians, it is done in a way that is as humane as possible to the animals during the testing process.