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Mr.
David Christopherson, MP Dear Mr. Christopherson: Thank you for your letter of March 22, 2013, requesting an action plan for the recommendations contained in the Audit of Border Controls on Commercial Imports, tabled in the Auditor General’s Spring 2012 report. Three of the report’s four recommendations were directed to other departments and agencies. The recommendation that impacted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was as follows: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Transport Canada should assess Canada Border Services Agency referrals systematically to determine whether responses are provided within agreed service standards and whether recommendations are followed. Each organization should use the results of this assessment to determine whether further action is required. The CFIA agreed with the recommendation, stating: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will conduct an assessment of its fertilizer referral process to the Canada Border Services Agency by Fall 2012 to determine if a formal monitoring program is required. The CFIA proceeded with the assessment and in consultation with the Canada Border Services Agency, agreed to monitor the number of incidents from July 16, 2012 to September 14, 2012. The assessment was conducted during peak season for importing fertilizers into Canada at the three busiest ports for commercial fertilizer importation (Sarnia, Coutts and Saskatoon). At the conclusion of the reporting period, no incidents were reported and the CFIA concluded that no further action was warranted. Yours Sincerely, George Da Pont President |