Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide the hon. member for Frontenac and the House with information regarding the alleged importation and use of rBST or recombinant bovine somatotropin, as well as an update on various related issues.
It is important to stress that the high standards and integrity of both the regulatory system and the Canadian dairy industry continue to be maintained.
First and foremost, no decision has yet been made regarding the approval and licensing of rBST for use in Canada. This decision, I repeat again for the member, is the responsibility of Health Canada. Its review is being administered under the Food and Drugs Act, which sets out the standards for the safety of food and drugs used in Canada.
A notice of compliance must be received in order to sell rBST in Canada. This means that the sale of rBST is prohibited and importation of this product is controlled at the border by Revenue Canada. Therefore the sale, distribution, or importation of rBST in Canada at this time is illegal and subject to criminal prosecution.
I would like to also take the opportunity to highlight some of the key events that have occurred over the past year.
In response to recommendations of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food, the government has negotiated a one-year delay with the manufacturers, until July 1 of this year. Also, the government commissioned a task force report, which provides more information on costs and benefits to the Canadian dairy industry, animal genetics, U.S. consumer reactions, and human and animal health issues.
In addition, Health Canada has developed a document outlining how veterinary drugs are licensed in Canada. Also, both Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Health Canada have completed a document outlining consistent procedures for the handling of biotechnology products. All documentation is publicly available.
I hope this addresses the concerns on importation, as it provides the most up-to-date information that is available on this issue.