STATEMENT - Government of Canada welcomes the federal court decision regarding potato wart

The Government of Canada accepts the decision rendered by the Federal Court today, resulting from an application for judicial review brought by the Prince Edward Island Potato Board (PEI PB). The PEI PB challenged a series of decisions by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, which includes the Potato Wart Ministerial Order. 

The Government accepts the decision of the Federal Court, which dismissed the application for Judicial Review because the decisions under review were either moot or reasonable.

The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining confidence in Canada's plant health system, both domestically and abroad. Effective management of potato wart requires a concerted effort by everyone involved. As the regulator, it is the role of the CFIA to help contain, control and prevent the spread of potato wart. The CFIA will continue to work with growers, industry, provinces and trading partners to manage this disease while supporting industry activities.