CFISIG Terms of Reference

April 1998

1. Purpose

The CFISIG will coordinate and promote the implementation phase of the integrated Canadian Food Inspection System (CFIS) by facilitating the adoption of the policy directions and principles as set out in the CFIS Blueprint (see Appendix 1).

2. Roles and Responsibilities

The CFISIG should provide a national leadership role in implementing the CFIS Blueprint by:

• developing a national work plan, including resource implications
• establishing working groups, task forces, etc., as required to address specific issues by commodity or by task
• overseeing projects to ensure progress is consistent with the CFIS Blueprint goals and principles
• ensuring strong communication links are developed and maintained with all appropriate government agencies, public health authorities, the agriculture, agri-food and food industries and consumers. Strong communications links must also be maintained with other Federal/Provincial/Territorial committees in order to ensure work is complementary.
• regularly reviewing progress based on the work plan and updating the work plan as necessary

The CFISIG will report to Agriculture Ministers/Health Ministers/Fisheries Ministers at regular intervals to update them on progress in implementing the CFIS Blueprint and to solicit input on directions as necessary.

3. Membership

Each jurisdiction (the federal government, ten provinces and two territories) is represented at the CFISIG table. Jurisdictions who are holding one of the co-chair positions will be allowed a second representative at the table in addition to the co-chair.

It is up to each jurisdiction to determine through its own internal process who will sit at the table. This does not preclude jurisdictions from adopting a delegation approach, where other departmental representatives are in the room, but each jurisdiction must speak through a single voice at the table.

With regard to municipal representation, there will be one representative on CFISIG from either community health agencies or municipal government health agencies. In addition, each province must ensure, as appropriate, that municipal concerns are reflected in the position that they bring to the table.

Jurisdictions must name their representative or "head of delegation" to the CFIS Secretariat, and all communications, document distribution, agenda distribution etc. will take place through this appointed individual.

The length of appointment of this representative is left to the discretion of each jurisdiction.

4. Operation

Co-chairs:

CFISIG will be chaired by one federal chair and two provincial chairs (i.e. one representing provincial health and one representing provincial agriculture agencies). These co-chairs will be responsible for decision making between CFISIG plenary meetings.

Co-chairs will be elected for a period of not less than two years (with possibility of extension to a third year) by the CFISIG membership. Their appointments will be staggered to ensure overlap of new and current chairs where possible.

CFISIG Meetings:

CFISIG meetings will be scheduled on a regular basis. Members will meet in person on a semi-annual basis. When further meetings are required, every effort will be made to use communication technology in order to reduce travel costs.

Agendas for CFISIG meetings will be circulated at least 2 weeks in advance of meetings, in order to enable jurisdictions to discuss their positions with all departments concerned before coming to the table.

Minutes of meetings will be distributed within 2 weeks following a meeting.

CFISIG Sub-committees:

All CFISIG task forces, committees etc., will include at least one CFISIG member. Other members of sub-committees will be selected from jurisdictions, industry, consumer groups etc. as appropriate to the mandate of the committee in question. Regional representation should be considered, where appropriate and feasible.

Chairs of CFISIG sub-committees will provide progress reports (i.e. either written for information only, or in person for decisions) to each CFISIG meeting.

Decisions:

The CFISIG's and its sub-committees' decision making process is by consensus. However, any jurisdictional differences will be respected and reported.

During the deliberations of the sub-committees the CFISIG "Dispute Resolution Process" (see Appendix 2) may be used in the event of an impasse among the sub-committee members.

Costs:

Costs of undertaking CFISIG work will be shared between jurisdictions. A contribution agreement will be developed as a means of securing annual contributions to the operation of the secretariat, and committees. Contributions will be based on the population base of each jurisdiction and/or on the size of the agri-food sector of each jurisdiction.

Travel and accommodation costs for CFISIG meetings and sub-committee meetings will be paid for by participating individuals/jurisdictions.

CFISIG will make decisions on the use of funds, and the funds will be collected and distributed by the CFIS secretariat, based on these decisions.

Secretariat Support:

Secretariat support is provided jointly by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

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Appendix 1 - Highlights of the CFIS Blueprint

1. Vision & Goals

Canada will have an integrated food inspection system which is responsive to both consumers and industry.

Goals include:

• high quality, safe food supply
• harmonize standards
• cost-effective inspection system
• cost-effective inspection system
• enhanced access to markets by Canadian food producers
• risk-based inspection system
• protection from economic fraud

2. Principles

• industry has primary responsibility for safety and quality of product, and to provide information to consumers that permits them to make informed decisions
• consumers have right to be informed and responsibility to handle food properly
• governments responsibility:
  • set and enforce standards pertaining to health and safety based on scientific risk assessment
  • ensure product information provided by industry is accurate and sufficient
  • provide health and safety info to consumers
  • interact internationally to represent interests of Canadian consumers and producers
• setting and enforcement of quality standards should be market driven and sensitive to international implications
• resources allocated to food inspection should be effectively and efficiently managed, result of which is elimination of gaps, overlaps and duplication
• system must support industry competitiveness domestically and internationally
• system will be open, responsible and flexible
• standards will be outcome and performance-based where practical

3. System Integration

System integration should include the following.

A. Harmonized National Standards

• Harmonized food safety standards
• Harmonized process and structural standards that are outcome or performance based, where practical
• Standard methods (or equivalent) for laboratory testing and reporting
• Common standards for product identity; including grade, composition, net quantity and product description

B.   Inspection Methods

More uniform procedures and practices in delivering inspection programs (including education, inspection methodologies, inspection frequencies, sampling, laboratory analyses, training programs, enforcement and reports)

C.   System Delivery

To integrate all parts of the food inspection system. Move resources to support inspection systems based on the scientific assessment of risk. Continually evaluate costs and benefits as integration progresses to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness.

4. Blueprints Recommendations To Ministers

1. The creation of harmonized national standards and ultimately a common legislative base.
2. The creation of a streamlined, single contact delivery of inspection services.
3. The application of risk management principles in the development of inspection programs, methods and frequencies.
4. A redefined role for government in food inspection activities and the development of options for the delivery of non-health and safety related programs, through the use of public good and private good criteria.

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Appendix 2 - Dispute Resolution Process For CFIS Sub-Committees

Determine if Policy or Technical Issues

Policy Issue

• Attempt to resolve by consensus at team level with Terms of Reference or
• Sub-committee advises IG Co-chairs of dispute
  15 days to resolve or
  
• Sub-committee and IG Co-chairs advise CFISIG
  15 days to resolve or
• CFISIG advises Ministers
  30 days to resolve
  

Technical Issue

• Advise IG Co-chairs and attempt to resolve by consensus at team level with Terms of Reference or
• Proceed to and Arbitration Process
  Parties in dispute appointing experts and a 3rd party expert(s)
• 30 days to appoint experts
• 30 days to resolve