G/SPS/GEN/1809  
 
7 July 2020 
(20-4671) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
CANADA 'S STATEMENT FROM THE  JUNE 2020 SPS COMMI TTEE  
INFORMATION -SHARING SESSION ON COVID -19 
SUBMISSION  BY CANADA  
The following document , received on 6 July  2020, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of Canada . 
 
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1.1.  Canada would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on our response to COVID -19 
as it relates to food safety and plant and animal life and health.  
1.2.  Canada has taken strong domestic action as well as engaging internationally with trading 
partners and relevant international organizations.  
1.3.  We are proud to have led the development of the WTO joint statement in April with 29 WTO 
Members underlining our commitment  to a coordinated global response, titled "Responding To The 
Covid -19 Pandemic With Open And Predictable Trade In Agricultural And Food Products ". 
1.4.  Canada contributed to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Commission on 
Phytosanitary Measures and Bureau Guidance for mitigating impacts of COVID -19 on trade in plants 
and plant products.  
1.5.  Canada also signed a joint statement in the World Organization of Animal Health ( OIE) on the 
application of zoo sanitary measures during th e COVID -19 pandemic on how to facilitate trade  and 
participated in international ad hoc groups related to COVID -19 convened by the OIE including one 
examining concerns for the trade of animals and animal products during COVID -19. 
1.6.  A foundational considerat ion for our work and our international engagement remains the 
scientific evidence and the guidance of the FAO and WHO that there is currently no evidence that 
food or food packaging is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus . 
1.7.  Domestically, th e Government of Canada has developed workplace guidance for the agriculture 
and agri -food sector during the COVID -19 pandemic that is fully based on science and on WHO and 
FAO guidance. Canadian establishments must also adhere to public health guidance fro m local public 
health authorities.  
1.8.  In line with this guidance, Canada has also published expectations for the prevention of and 
response to cases of COVID -19 by meat slaughter and food processing establishments, and primary 
production  establishments as wel l. 
1.9.  Accordingly, Canada is confident that the measures taken  in Canada  provide assurances that 
food and food products consumed in Canada and exported from Canada to all trading partners are 
safe and fully  meet all importing countries ' requirements.  
1.10.   We have enabled the uninterrupted import and export of food, plants and animals by 
prioritizing  critical  activities , including  continuing to provide export certification activities, lab testing 
and analysis for exports, and export/import inspections during th e pandemic.  G/SPS/GEN/1809  
 
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  1.11.   Additionally, w here feasible,  Canada is supporting  digital means to transfer export and import 
certificates rather than the traditional paper export certificates.  
1.12.   All along , Canada has  been regularly engaging with frontline government  employees , 
stakeholders,  as well as industry to understand and address their concerns.  
1.13.   This ha s enabled Canada to engage with key trading partners to understand how the pandemic 
has impacted their programs, and to share best practices to maintain safe, uninterrupte d domestic 
production while facilitating trade.  
1.14.   Canada would like to stress the importance of ensuring that the measures Members take - for 
domestic and for imported products – are based on science and on global guidance provided by the 
WHO and the FAO . 
1.15.   This will also help us all ensure that consumers are provided with scientifically sound 
information they need to give them confidence in their food supply and thus avoid the needless 
throwing out of safe food based on fear or misinformation.  
1.16.   In conclusion, COVID -19 outbreaks may well continue to affect farms and food establishments 
in all countries in the months to come , and it remains paramount that these facilities have t he tools 
and systems necessary to manage outbreaks and  ensure minimal disruptions to global supply chains 
to maintain food security for all.  
 
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