Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Francis Drouin, attended the 2024 Animal Health Canada (AHC) Forum in Ottawa to announce the organization will receive more than CAD13 million (US$9.5 million) in funding to continue its collaborative work with federal, provincial and territorial governments; industry; and animal health partners to advance animal health and welfare in Canada.
This funding, provided through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriAssurance Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will support AHC’s three divisions: Emergency Management, the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), and the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS). Together, these divisions will advance emergency preparedness, promote sustainable animal welfare practices, and strengthen Canada’s animal health surveillance systems.
“Healthy animals mean healthy communities,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Our investment in disease monitoring, emergency planning and quality animal care shows our commitment to animal welfare and management, and to the well-being of Canadians. With Animal Health Canada’s help, we’re ensuring our farms are resilient and our food remains safe and trusted here in Canada, and around the world.”
AHC’s Emergency Management division will lead efforts to enhance national planning and preparedness with a focus on foreign animal diseases, including African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The division will focus on three key areas: information management and relationship mapping to clarify roles and responsibilities and build sectorwide agreements; resource development by addressing gaps in emergency management skills and creating tools to enhance preparedness across the livestock and poultry sectors; and outreach and training through communication campaigns, e-learning and workshops to promote uptake of emergency management best practices.
“This investment will improve our emergency management capabilities and uphold our already high standards for animal welfare,” said Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This is good news for our agricultural communities across Canada and the health of our livestock. By investing in these areas, we are creating a more resilient sector for the future.”
The NFACC division will update and promote Canada’s Codes of Practice, which set the national standards for animal care. This includes updating five codes covering beef cattle, equine, sheep, pigs and poultry, as well as amending the pullets and laying hens code.
AHC’s CAHSS division will leverage the funding to enhance data integration and improve disease detection and monitoring capabilities throughout its networks. CAHSS will continue to promote data sharing, emerging issues monitoring and early warning systems to strengthen Canada’s ability to respond to animal health emergencies.
“This funding strengthens our ability to work with our members and partners to enhance foreign animal disease planning and preparedness, promote sustainable approaches for animal welfare, and improve our disease surveillance capabilities,” said Colleen McElwain, AHC executive director. “Through collaboration and innovation, we are building a more resilient and responsive industry that can meet both current and future challenges.”
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a CAD3.5 billion, 5-year agreement (2023 to 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agrifood, and agri‐based products sector.
