Overview

• The Canadian Meat Council warns that Bill C-5 could compel the federal government to recognize provincial meat inspection rules as equivalent to federal standards for interprovincial trade.
• Industry leaders argue provincial inspections lack continuous federal oversight and may not satisfy foreign auditors, jeopardizing access to key U.S. and Chinese markets.
• The legislation has passed the House of Commons and awaits a final Senate vote by Friday as health groups caution that similar shifts could affect oversight of asbestos and tobacco.
• The government says it will maintain federal regulations where serious health or safety risks are identified and will refine details during the forthcoming regulatory drafting process.
• Meat & Poultry Ontario’s executive director says the bill could broaden domestic meat availability if provincial plants demonstrate outcomes comparable to federally inspected facilities.