Government of Canada takes action to support interprovincial trade of meat and strengthen food security

As announced in the National Food Security Strategy (NFSS), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking action to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade of meat and support food security through a stronger, more resilient Canadian food system.

As announced in the National Food Security Strategy (NFSS), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking action to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade of meat and support food security through a stronger, more resilient Canadian food system.

The CFIA is proposing targeted, time-limited amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) to make it easier to move red meat from one province to another when unmet slaughter capacity may be contributing to food security and regional economic issues. These regulatory amendments support the NFSS by increasing access to affordable, locally produced meat, particularly in rural and remote areas. They also advance the FPT Ministers’ commitment to pursuing opportunities to facilitate internal trade while maintaining Canada’s strong food safety standards and trade reputation.

With provincial support, the proposed changes will enable the CFIA to issue targeted, time‑limited exemptions that would allow the interprovincial movement and sale of low volumes of red meat under provincial oversight when there is unmet slaughter capacity. This proposal responds to challenges faced by small-scale livestock producers, specifically in rural and remote areas, that cannot access nearby slaughter services within their own province. The proposed exemption includes safeguards to ensure there is no impact on food safety or international trade. This includes limiting the exemption to low volumes of meat, ensuring traceability, and requiring the two provinces trading the meat to provide food safety oversight.