Bill C-27

SUMMARY

This enactment provides statutory authority respecting the inspection powers of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the enforcement of Acts under its responsibility. It authorizes a number of measures such as

(a) subjecting various activities related to the importation and exportation of, and interprovincial trade in, regulated products, to a licensing regime;

(b) prohibiting, licensing or permitting certain activities related to dangerous things that are subject to the Health of Animals Act or the Plant Protection Act such as pathogens;

(c) permitting the exchange of information with other governmental authorities or prescribed organizations;

(d) permitting the Agency to enter into arrangements in respect of foreign inspections; and

(e) modernizing powers of inspection.

In addition, it creates certain new offences related to those measures as well as offences related to tampering with a regulated product.

It also authorizes the Minister to make orders to respond to natural disasters or urgent situations.

Finally, the enactment amends certain other Acts in consequence.