The RCC is a joint initiative between Canada and the United States that facilitates regulatory cooperation between the two countries and aims to enhance economic competitiveness while protecting the health, safety and environment of both countries.
“Trade between Canada and the United States generates many jobs for hard working Canadians,” stated Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “The Government of Canada is committed to streamlining regulations between our two countries while protecting health, safety, and the environment.”
“We are committed to working with our United States partners through the Regulatory Cooperation Council”
Since 2012, the CFIA, in cooperation with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed annual joint work plans in the areas of animal health, food safety, meat inspection and certification, and plant health.
“The Regulatory Cooperation Council is another example of the close collaboration between Canada and the United States in an effort to continually enhance food safety and protect consumers on both sides of the border,” Jane Philpott, Minister of Health said. “This joint initiative aims to improve the efficiency in the movement of meat and other goods between our two countries and demonstrates our governments’ commitment to further align our regulatory systems.”
Stakeholder consultation is key to the development of work plans under the RCC. The new web-based consultation tool will provide a consistent structure for stakeholders to provide feedback on the RCC initiatives that matter to them, and input on future opportunities.
“We are committed to working with our United States partners through the Regulatory Cooperation Council to achieve better efficiency on both sides of the border,” MacAulay added.
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the work plans that impact them, and to provide input on future opportunities until October 31, 2017.
Information gathered in this consultation period will be used to help develop the next iteration of RCC work plans for food safety, meat inspection and certification, animal health, and plant health.
Source: Meatbusiness