Three relevant consultations

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is undertaking a suite of consultations that will impact our food systems. As the Agency tasked with safeguarding our food systems, these consultations offer Canadians an opportunity to submit our perspectives and priorities when it comes to our nourishment and health of our communities.

There are currently three consultations of relevance to the Canadian food movement:
• In 2012, the government passed the Safe Food for Canadians Act, which proposes to modernize food safety and increase trade opportunities for Canadian businesses. As a result of this Act, the CFIA is seeking input on a new "Food Program Framework" This document is intended to demonstrate to Canadians and guide the CFIA on how it oversees our food, explaining the principles underlying their activities and intended results. Comments can be submitted until September 30th, 2014. More information can be found here.

• "Incorporation by Reference" allows for the integration into federal regulations of any document, regardless of its source. The consultation is seeking the opinions of Canadians on matters such as the selection process for such documents and principles on ensuring documents are up to date. More information and the discussion document can be found here. Submissions will be accepted through July 21st, 2014.

• Recognizing foreign food safety systems is also up for consultation, which is guided by a discussion document. Input is being sought on approaches and principles for accepting the food safety regimes of foreign countries for imported food. More information is available here, including the discussion document. Submissions will be accepted through the 21st of July, 2014.