ARCHIVED - Health Canada

• For brand name pharmaceuticals and generic drug submissions, 87% of the 482 submissions met the approved service standards. This percentage is close to meeting the standard of 90% of drug submissions to be reviewed within the approved timelines.
• For biologic submissions, 96% of the 102 submissions met the approved service standards, exceeding the standard of 90%.
• For Medical Device Class II, III and IV type applications, 73% of the 6,523 submission reviews met the approved service standards (missing the standard of 90% of Class II, III, IV medical device applications within the approved timelines).

• 102 risk communications, advisories/warnings were posted on the Health Canada and Med Effect Canada websites.
• In collaboration with Health Canada, Marketed Authorization Holders (MAHs) issued 60 risk communications, advisories/warnings and are posted on the Health Canada and Med Effect Canada websites.
• CD-ROMs were developed and distributed to stakeholders on "HPFB Overview and Key Publications" and 2 e-learning modules have been developed and currently under review on: "How drugs make their way to Canadians" and "How health products are regulated in Canada". These modules will eventually be distributed to patient and consumer stakeholders.
• A Consumer Information Bureau has been created to provide a standardized approach to consumer communications, centralized development of policies and tools, and ongoing communications guidance.
• Several outreach campaigns or activities were conducted:
  • "A cough and cold" campaign related to cough medicine and children ran from December 2008 to the spring of 2009. Distribution partnerships with nurses, pharmacies, child care centres, Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), college of family physicians were established to make information available to consumers in many venues.
  • A campaign directed at consumers and health professionals to promote the Med Effect system for adverse reaction reporting was launched.
  • News Canada articles on natural health products were produced and will eventually be released in community papers and on websites.

• 152 Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) Level 1 Screening and 35 PSURs Level II Full Reviews were reviewed. PSURs are standard reports used internationally by regulatory authorities to systematically monitor the safety of marketed drug products.
• A total of 4 new signals were specifically derived from PSUR review in 2008-09.

• In accordance with the implementation plan for the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network (DSEN), initial funding in 2008-2009 was applied to support establishment of program infrastructure, as opposed to directly funding projects addressing priority research areas. Preliminary work was thus undertaken to develop processes that will support the generation and dissemination of new research knowledge on real world safety and effectiveness of drugs. In 2008-2009, progress on this preliminary work included identification of priority research topics by Health Canada and initial staffing of the network coordinating office by CIHR.

• Implementation of modern compliance and enforcement tools (e.g., recall authorities, increase in fine and penalties) will be more effective in deterring non-compliance once the legislation to modernize the Food and Drugs Act is reintroduced to Parliament. This reintroduced legislation will allow a better oversight of drug products as committed in the 2008 Speech from the Throne.

• Existing industry guidance documents updated and distributed (e.g., Guide for Surface Coatings, Second Hand Products Booklet, Consumer Chemicals Retailer Fact sheet & Children's Sleepwear).
• Preliminary work on transitioning from Hazardous Products Act to the new Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (e.g., industry guidance on new legislative and regulatory obligations).
• Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to support the national standards system.
• Contract with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to develop an ISO Guideline on Product Safety.
• Task group formed through National Public Safety Advisory Council to develop a national approach to electrical product safety.

• Subscriptions to the Consumer Product Safety Recall website increased from 5000 to 6600 in 2008-09. The data indicates that there continues to be an increasing number of Canadians who are becoming aware of consumer product safety issues.
• Public opinion research conducted in 2008-09 to establish consumer awareness baseline.
• A Consumer Information Bureau has been created to provide a standardized approach to consumer communications, centralized development of policies and tools, and ongoing communications guidance.
• Update to product safety website to include new user friendly electronic news letter (link: Consumer Product Safety News).

• Legislative authorities for mandatory reporting of product safety incidents drafted.
• Incident form has been created, guidance documents and policies to support industry reporting developed.
• The initial planning phase for mandatory reporting IT system completed.
• Revamped website for Canadians to find timely information about recalled consumer products (link: Consumer Product Recalls).

• Monthly communications with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continue, 3 joint recalls; work-plans for Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China drafted; participation on international committees/caucuses continues.

• Continuation of development of National Coroners' Database through collaboration with Provincial and Territorial Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners and Statistics Canada. Data quality assessment is underway. MOUs for data sharing are being finalized, in anticipation of joint preparation of first annual report in 2009-2010.
• Arrangements to expand the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, with one more facility ready to begin data collection on April 1, 2009.

• New Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) drafted and tabled in Parliament (link: Bill C-6).

• Increased capacity (regional product safety officer) for compliance and enforcement activities.
• Of the 6 product categories, 3 resulted in similar compliance rates (88.3% compliant) as the previous cycle, indicating that non-compliance continues to exist in lead in surface paint of toys and in children's jewellery, bedding textiles.
• The decrease in compliance rates (72.6% compliant) for Halloween costumes, second hand children's products was attributed to the emergence of new materials, and the high turnover in the marketplace of retailers.
• Introduction of a new complaints protocol procedure to ensure timely response to consumer product safety issues (link: Report Your Consumer Product Complaint).

• Progress made towards development of a formal risk management strategy, including the drafting of a compliance risk assessment template to be incorporated into decision-making process.
• Conducted program (registrant inspection) that included assessing a selected sample of industry representatives to determine their level of knowledge of new regulatory requirements and to collect information related to risk factors (e.g., lack of quality control program linked to non-compliance).
• Updated analysis of implicated consumer products and industry including the following metrics (April 2009): 414 registrants; 1975 registered domestic class products; 1601 to Canadian registrants.
• More than 300 discount retail stores were interviewed to confirm retailer knowledge of regulatory requirements and to check for the presence of consumer pesticides. It was concluded that an ongoing outreach strategy would be needed to support compliant behaviour. A review of marketplace inspections (2003-2006) was conducted.
• Consultations were held with the following stakeholder groups in the interest of strengthening existing partnerships: FPT, US EPA, CCSPA, CBSA and PMAC. Consultations will continue in 2009-10. Extensive discussions were held with a key retailer regarding textiles treated with pesticides, claiming antimicrobial properties. Note: This key retailer has a voluntary code of conduct re: compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
• Outreach: PMRA began targeted outreach activities in 2008/09 by focussing efforts on areas of immediate concern. In support of this targeted approach, PMRA created a homemade pesticide fact sheet, and a beg bug pest note.

• 274 individual situations of known or suspected non-compliance were investigated to determine if there were violations of Pest Control Products Act and Regulations. This resulted in 413 confirmed violations involving 133 products. Most of these were addressed with an education letter as the corrective action.
• Work was done to update an existing database to track consumer product non-compliance and provide a basis for more accurate reporting.
• A number of adverse effects related to pet products were reported through the Incident Reporting program. Follow up included an investigation and analysis of product to confirm that the cause was not compliance related. A product advisory was issued and follow up is underway to pin point the source of the problem with the registrants.
• Lab method development work was initiated related to the analysis of products that were the object of a complaint or detected non-compliance.
• Updated Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP) Regulations were drafted to reflect the new Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), awaiting publication in Canada Gazette I.

• 13 guidance/educational tools and documents were developed with respect to allergens, toxins, emerging food borne pathogens and bioactives.
• As well, 4 standards, frameworks and policies were modified or developed for the FCSAP high priorities areas (allergens, natural toxins, emerging food borne pathogens and bioactives).

• Consumer education was rolled out through mechanisms such as nationwide distribution of newspaper inserts in a variety of publications.
• Information on food recalls was increased through media relations, web information, news releases and fact sheets.
• Targeting of at-risk populations and key stakeholders was enhanced through partnerships, alternate languages and non-traditional media, e.g., the development and translation of information on melamine into Chinese dialects.

The following consists of number of hits in 2008-2009 for Health Canada's food product information sites:

• 22,578 visits: Advisories, Warnings & Recall-Food &Nutrition
• 7,841 visits: Avis, mises en garde et retraits - Aliments et nutrition
• 5,783 Visits: Allergy Alerts-Food Allergies and Intolerances
• 1,381 visits: Alertes � l'allergie - Les allergies alimentaires et les intol�rances alimentaire
• 2,325 visits: Product Safety
• 899 visits: Salubrit� des fruits et l�gumes frais
• 8,354 visits: Safe Food Handling
• 2,058 visits: � bas les BACt�ries! - Manipulation hygi�nique des aliments
• 1,308 visits: Manipulation hygi�nique des aliments
• 15,441 visits: Food Allergen Labelling - Health Canada
• 4,594 visits: �tiquetage des allerg�nes alimentaires - Sant� Canada
• 2,577 visits: Fight BAC! - Safe Food Handling

• Tri-departmental collaboration on identification of various processes (e.g., risk profiling and prioritization) and tools (e.g., influence diagrams) designed to help assess and set priorities among existing and emerging food safety risks.
• Modified and applied multi-factorial risk prioritization framework for use by decision makers to prioritize risks.
• Reviewed and scoped risk assessments and models existing for fresh produce.
• Targeted surveys were designed and validation of additional laboratory methods was carried out for certain high risk areas including imported ingredients, produce, mycotoxins in cereals, and undeclared allergens.
• Established SOPs, agreements and contracts for incorporating produce into existing sampling/data analysis activities.
• Participated at conferences, booths and science forums (including the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference) and developed various promotional material (e.g., information sheets, outbreak summary reports) for training purposes (e.g., Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference); provided demonstrations based on outbreak summary reports to P/T nation-wide.
• Completed draft narrative reviews of antimicrobial resistance in fish and shellfish and in fruits and vegetables.
• Initiated sampling of imported and domestic finfish and shellfish in 7 provinces.
• Initiated tri-departmental discussions on sharing fruit and vegetable samples and isolates.
• Evaluated and conducted a preliminary implementation of next-generation laboratory methods in collaboration with US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and PHAC Laboratory for Food borne Zoonoses (LFZ).
• Increased capacity and initiated testing for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing.
• MOU established between CFIA and PHAC (PulseNet Canada) to provide real-time surveillance and sub-typing of foodborne pathogens.
• Health Canada/CFIA Working Group was established for targeted surveys, risk mapping and prioritization with respect to food safety.

• Informal discussions held with industry to share preliminary information and establish key industry contacts.
• Briefing material including manuscripts, presentations, and technical reports on the four FCSAP priority areas (allergens, natural toxins, emerging foodborne pathogens and bioactives) was developed in plain language.

• Stakeholder consultations (including consumers) completed in Spring 2008 on revised Product of Canada policy.
• Communication with industry on how to comply with revised Product of Canada regulations was carried out.
• Ongoing collaboration with industry throughout pre and post-implementation of revised policy was provided to ensure industry awareness and understanding of requirements and to provide advice on the practical application of these requirements.

• Revised food safety guidelines were developed for further consultation and eventual implementation by industry as part of their preventative strategies.
• Inspection and sampling frequencies were enhanced in high risk areas.

• Preliminary work completed to facilitate the assessment, entry approval and inspection decisions related to imported fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Efforts were initiated to better identify importers and imported food products as well as domestic producers.
• Border blitz guidelines were finalized, in consultation with CBSA, with the goal of increased interception of non-compliant products prior to distribution in Canada.

• Consumer education was rolled out through mechanisms such as nationwide distribution of newspaper inserts in a variety of publications.
• Information on food recalls was increased through media relations, web information, news releases and fact sheets.
• Targeting of at-risk populations and key stakeholders was enhanced through partnerships, alternate languages and non-traditional media, e.g., the development and translation of information on melamine into Chinese dialects.

• Continuation of development of National Coroners' Database through collaboration with Provincial and Territorial Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners and Statistics Canada. Data quality assessment is underway. MOUs for data sharing are being finalized, in anticipation of joint preparation of first annual report in 2009-2010.
• Arrangements to expand the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, with one more facility ready to begin data collection on April 1, 2009.

• A plan was developed to disseminate knowledge on injury risks assessment using the Canadian Best Practices Portal.
• Through the work plan activities and in consultation with the Directorate of Agencies for School Health BC and the Joint Consortium for School Health (JCSH), a contractor was hired to review the JCSH Injury Prevention Scan.

• Tri-departmental collaboration on identification of various processes (e.g., risk profiling and prioritization) and tools (e.g., influence diagrams) designed to help assess and set priorities among existing and emerging food safety risks.
• Modified and applied multi-factorial risk prioritization framework for use by decision makers to prioritize risks.
• Reviewed and scoped risk assessments and models existing for fresh produce.
• Targeted surveys were designed and validation of additional laboratory methods was carried out for certain high risk areas including imported ingredients, produce, mycotoxins in cereals, and undeclared allergens.
• Established SOPs, agreements and contracts for incorporating produce into existing sampling/data analysis activities.
• Participated at conferences, booths and science forums (including the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference) and developed various promotional material (e.g., information sheets, outbreak summary reports) for training purposes (e.g., Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Conference); provided demonstrations based on outbreak summary reports to P/T nation-wide.
• Completed draft narrative reviews of antimicrobial resistance in fish and shellfish and in fruits and vegetables.
• Initiated sampling of imported and domestic finfish and shellfish in 7 provinces.
• Initiated tri-departmental discussions on sharing fruit and vegetable samples and isolates.
• Evaluated and conducted a preliminary implementation of next-generation laboratory methods in collaboration with US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and PHAC Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses (LFZ).
• Increased capacity and initiated testing for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing.
• MOU established between CFIA and PHAC (PulseNet Canada) to provide real-time surveillance and sub-typing of foodborne pathogens.
• Health Canada/CFIA Working Group was established for targeted surveys, risk mapping and prioritization with respect to food safety.
• Initiated food-borne outbreak summary module.

• DFO will provide the PMRA with a yearly report from DFO's Centre for Environmental Research on Pesticides (CERP).
• CERP will conduct laboratory and field based studies to quantify impacts of exposure to priority pesticides on fish and fish habitat. Impacts will be quantified in terms of reproductive success, growth and energy metabolism. Priority research will be identified in consultation with PMRA.
• After consultation with the PMRA and other agencies, DFO will design and initiate new research projects related to the theme "Potential Impacts of Pesticides on Fisheries Resources".

• Final report is ongoing. Anticipated delivery to PMRA is October 2009 for the 2008-09 projects.
• CEPR has conducted laboratory exposures of fathead minnows to environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate, chloropyralid, chloropyrifos and atrazine. Growth and survival have been measured and fish are being reared to reproductive age to assess reproductive potential. A summary of these studies will be included in the October report to PMRA.
• After consultation with PMRA, it was determined that DFO could provide useful results regarding the effects of mixtures of chloropyralid, chloropyrifos and glyphosate on fish and fish habitat. Benthic invertebrates were specified as a useful surrogate measure of fish habitat quality.

• continue its research and monitoring activities;
• continue to support research and monitoring to determine the environmental concentrations and impacts of in-use pesticides in the environment;
• produce an annual report and make it available to the PMRA;
• provide science advice to meet regulatory data gaps and knowledge deficiency as well as to improve risk assessment methods; and
• provide support and advice to PMRA on pesticide related science policy and issue management.

These priorities will be delivered through various research, monitoring and surveillance activities. In the coming year, status updates will be provided on the following:

Air surveillance: Investigations on downwind concentrations of compounds that are deemed to have a high mammalian or avian toxicity and investigations on ambient air concentrations in regions of high pesticide use.

Water surveillance: The focus will continue on high risk priority watersheds where data gaps exist. Linking water monitoring to watershed modelling ((in association with the National Agri-Environmental Standards Initiative (NAESI)) will provide for wider results coverage through an increase in predictive power and assisting in the rationalization of water monitoring sampling designs. There will be a greater focus on specific issues, e.g., wetlands, urban areas, source waters, agriculture and priority pesticides (through previous monitoring and with interpretation tools such as the modified 'A Pesticide Priority Listing Evaluation Scheme' (APPLES), a prioritization tool developed with the PMRA). There will also be a concerted effort for continued efforts of establishment and assessment of trends especially as they relate to performance outcomes.

Aquatic effects: The focus of the aquatic effects work will be on integrating the effects of pesticides on aquatic food webs (including multitrophic-level) with exposure (including fate). Using novel assessment approaches, new data for a range of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides widely used in Canada, and commonly encountered in field surveillance programs will be generated. Species, populations and community resiliency may also be evaluated. The potential biological impact from pesticide runoff in high risk situation may be explored for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures.

The impacts of pesticide mixtures (linked to current NAESI deliverable) and cumulative effects investigations (e.g., nutrients), along with the impact assessments following chronic and pulse exposures may also be considered.

Terrestrial effects: There will be a concerted effort to focus the current terrestrial deliverables for birds and mammals on Species at Risk Act (SARA) -listed species and other species of concern, as well as on areas of perennial conflict between wildlife and pesticide use such as the lower BC Mainland. Priority will be given to pesticides causing acute intoxications (e.g. cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides) or broad contamination of terrestrial food chains (second generation anticoagulant rodenticides). Efforts will be focused also on comparing dietary and non-dietary (dermal, preening and inhalation) routes of exposure to pesticides in order to improve our ability to assess new pesticides and better predict impacts. For terrestrial life-stages of amphibians, the effort will be to continue work on an amphibian test protocol. For plants, the efforts will focus on improvement of routine phytotoxicity tests in greenhouses and on risk assessment with validation through in-situ research.

EC will also continue to work with the PMRA in the implementation of the existing EC/PMRA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in order to better integrate and coordinate research with regulation. The MOU has four components, Science Policy, Knowledge Generation, Issue Management and Compliance Promotion and Enforcement.

EC will continue working on providing leadership in the development and implementation of a federal, coordinated pesticides science strategy for research and monitoring through the Interdepartmental Committee. Furthermore, EC will participate in the proposed 6NR MOU.

• science policy;
• research and monitoring;
• issue management and communications;
• enforcement and compliance promotion
• EC maintained its coordination efforts for the third and final year of the 2nd Cycle of the PSF to further support research and monitoring projects on the presence and effects of pesticides in the environment.
• EC supported the 10 on-going research and monitoring projects building on existing knowledge from previous years, and related projects.
• EC is currently participating in the Building Public Confidence Memorandum to Cabinet - Treasury Board Summative Evaluation.
• EC continued to provide ongoing science advice to PMRA to meet regulatory data gaps, reduce knowledge deficiencies, and improve risk assessment methods. EC provided significant input into PMRA's activities regarding:
  • Provided comments on the re-evaluation of endosulfan
  • Responded to a PMRA request on quintozene
  • Pesticide concentrations in surface water, current monitoring practices, new initiatives, and trends of commonly found pesticides
• EC coordinated PSF projects with the completion of the national agri-environmental standards initiative (NAESI), an initiative under the Agricultural Policy Framework (PSF water monitoring data used with NAESI watershed modelling, NAESI performance standards used to create Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) water quality guidelines).
• EC showcased PSF achievements at national and international venues in order to facilitate the exchange of information that will help achieve PSF objectives and use of this information to inform decision makers and Canadians.
• EC presented outcomes and results of PSF projects to
  • Senior EC management.
  • 6NR pesticide workshop and meetings.
  • Pesticide FPT Committee at various workshop and meetings.
• EC maintained its relationship to meet with industry in order to promote the development of Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines of pesticides.
• EC chairs the CCME pesticide sub-committee involving key partners (PMRA, industry and the jurisdictions). Largely through EC's efforts, the sub-committee has proposed a revised water quality guideline for carbaryl, endosulfan, glyphosate, and 2,4-D, as well as an approach to develop benchmarks for pesticides with small datasets.
• In terms of publications, EC scientists continue to produce a number of scientific peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• EC established a 3rd cycle of research and monitoring of pesticide presence and impacts in the environment. PSF Cycle 3 priorities were established based on GoC priorities as well as previous knowledge.
• Under PSF Cycle 3, EC has set out to deliver on 12 new research projects and two monitoring projects that are linked to regulatory decision-making priorities for the GoC.

• 4 strategies developed in priority areas
• Stakeholders engaged in 4 working groups to develop reduced risk pest management solutions
• Total of 14 new tools and practices made available to growers during FY 08-09 including four new and one improved decision support tools to reduce / optimize pesticide use (fusarium headblight, canola flea beetle); four technology transfer factsheets published for producers (carrot trimmer, weed control); one new tool (drift recovery sprayer) developed for use in grape production; four biopesticides registered in Canada for the first time, and available to growers
• 3 reduced risk product dossiers submitted to PMRA: BioSave 10 LP, Agriphage (Category A), GF-120 (label expansion)
• Feasibility study undertaken for sustainable approach to crop profile data collection and maintenance; finalization and publication of 4 crop profiles

Presentations/Reports were made to stakeholders at the 2008 National Forest Pest Management Forum in Ottawa and at the 2009 SERG-International Workshop in Winnipeg.

Funds were provided for the salary and work of an NRCan-CFS scientist housed at AAFC's Minor Use Centre in Ottawa. NRCan-CFS collaborated with AAFC to obtain data needed for the PMRA registration of minor use pesticides for their use on woody ornamentals, urban forests, and woodlands.

Coordinated 18 projects on outdoor woody ornamentals including poplars, Christmas trees, and reforestation nurseries.

Made four final submissions to PMRA and/or registrants for registrations of pest control products for minor uses on reforestation nurseries, poplars and outdoor woody ornamentals.

NRCan also collaborated with the USDA Forest Service on registration of a pheromone that attracts spruce and Douglas fir bark beetle. As a result, NRCan is the Canadian registrant of the pheromone.

1. Prioritize fine recovery for fines ordered under cigarette contraband and tobacco sales to youth convictions.
2. Increase the number of fines satisfied by a minimum of 15 percent.
3. Analyze trends and prioritize the most effective and least costly recovery methods.
4. Prioritize payment of fines over incarceration, but enhance enforcement measures when appropriate.
5. Reduce costs to client departments in regards to fees incurred for Crown counsel attending motions for extensions in the delay to pay a fine.

1. The number of cigarette contraband and other tobacco-related fines has gone from 1,920 files in 2002 to 892 files as of March 31, 2007, a reduction of over 53.5 percent. There were 826 files in the inventory in 2005-06. This year's figure is mostly due to the increase in convictions for selling tobacco to minors and an increase in cigarette contraband across the country which has resulted in more convictions.
2. The number of fines that were satisfied as of March 2007 was 423 as compared to 491 in March 2006, a reduction of 14 percent. This may be due to the fact that additional emphasis is being given to attempting to recover long-standing fines which by nature are more difficult to recover.
3. Priority is given to the most cost-effective methods of recovery, in particular, demand letters, telephone calls and negotiating payment agreements. To date, approximately 27,000 interventions have been made, resulting in the recovery of over $32 M in past-due fines as of March 2007.
4. Incarcerations for non-payment of fines totalled 66 in 2007 as compared to 60 in 2006. Of these 66 offenders, 15 subsequently opted to pay their fine rather than remain in incarceration.
5. Crown counsel assigned to Fine Recovery Units oppose all motions for payment extensions heard at court, resulting in a decrease in counsel fees to client departments for these hearings.

1. Provide the Department of Finance, Health Canada and other partners with current updates on illicit tobacco trade activities.
2. The RCMP monitors illegal activities at and along the CAN/U.S. border through the use of strategic detection and surveillance equipment.
3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.

1. Regular reports on the illicit tobacco situation were provided to Finance and Health Canada. Side bar reports and presentations provided to other partners and key Ministerial entities upon request, such as the Government of Canada Task Force on Illicit Tobacco, the Senior Revenue Officials Conference and the Interprovincial Investigations Conference. The Tobacco Analysts also attend regular meetings to brief the Department of Finance.
2. Improved border security through the use of sophisticated technology which permits detection and monitoring of illegal border intrusions, resulting in vital intelligence.
3. Co-hosted the 2008 Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop with American and Canadian agencies and presently preparing the 2009 Workshop to be held in September 2009. One National Tobacco Analyst met, in February 2009, with some American Law Enforcement personnel (U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency) to share investigative information about a major tobacco manufacturer who may be involved in illegal activities in Canada and the U.S. Two National Tobacco Analysts gave a total of 8 information sessions on the illicit trade of tobacco at four law enforcement courses/workshops in Canada and the U.S.

1. Systems adjustments and maintenance to reflect the legislative changes that affect rates, reporting and refunds as well as program changes to include duty-free shops and ships stores.
2. Verify Export activity.
3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.
4. Work with stakeholders to monitor and assess the effectiveness of measures used to reduce contraband tobacco.
5. Provide the Department of Finance with advice in the development of policy and the determination of the magnitude and timing of future tax increases.
6. Support RCMP enforcement activity.

1. Systems and reporting capabilities were maintained as required to meet program requirements.
2. The Tobacco Enforcement Verification Program (field) effectively monitored the movement of exported tobacco products.
3. Co-hosted the 2008 Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop with American and Canadian agencies and presently preparing the 2009 Workshop to be held in September 2009. One National Tobacco Analyst met, in February 2009, with some American Law Enforcement personnel (U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency) to share investigative information about a major tobacco manufacturer who may be involved in illegal activities in Canada and the U.S. Two National Tobacco Analysts gave a total of 8 information sessions on the illicit trade of tobacco at four law enforcement courses/workshops in Canada and the U.S.
4. Participated on a number of committees dealing with the monitoring and control of tobacco products, including those dealing with interprovincial issues. Co-hosted the Tobacco Diversion Workshop with Canadian and U.S. participation.
5. Met with the Department of Finance as required. Provided industry and product information.
6. Supported RCMP enforcement activity by providing information about specific tobacco transactions as well as expert testimony and affidavits.

1. Systems adjustments and maintenance to reflect the legislative changes that affect rates, reporting and refunds as well as program changes to include duty-free shops and ships stores.
2. Verify Export activity.
3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.
4. Work with stakeholders to monitor and assess the effectiveness of measures used to reduce contraband tobacco.
5. Provide the Department of Finance with advice in the development of policy and the determination of the magnitude and timing of future tax increases.
6. Support RCMP enforcement activity.

1. Systems and reporting capabilities were maintained as required to meet program requirements.
2. The Tobacco Enforcement Verification Program (field) effectively monitored the movement of exported tobacco products.
3. Co-hosted the 2008 Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop with American and Canadian agencies and presently preparing the 2009 Workshop to be held in September 2009. One National Tobacco Analyst met, in February 2009, with some American Law Enforcement personnel (U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency) to share investigative information about a major tobacco manufacturer who may be involved in illegal activities in Canada and the U.S. Two National Tobacco Analysts gave a total of 8 information sessions on the illicit trade of tobacco at four law enforcement courses/workshops in Canada and the U.S.
4. Participated on a number of committees dealing with the monitoring and control of tobacco products, including those dealing with interprovincial issues. Co-hosted the Tobacco Diversion Workshop with Canadian and U.S. participation.
5. Met with the Department of Finance as required. Provided industry and product information.
6. Supported RCMP enforcement activity by providing information about specific tobacco transactions as well as expert testimony and affidavits.

1. Provide advice to Department of Finance on matters that will impact the future tax structure on tobacco.
2. Monitor and report on the contraband tobacco situation in Canada.
3. Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.

1. Attended monthly meetings with Department of Finance and partners to discuss and serve as a reference for questions on tobacco issues.
2. Provided monthly analysis of the national contraband situation by compiling reports received from the Regions. Partnered with RCMP in annual risk assessment of the nature and extent of tobacco contraband activity. Coordinated development of tobacco intelligence in the Regions. The capabilities of our officers/analysts to infiltrate the marketplace, gather intelligence, liaise with other agencies and process their files has resulted in: an increase in targets for examination, both companies and individuals; identification of possible risk elements not previously perceived; awareness of emerging trends and threats.
3. Actively participated in Joint Force Operations with law enforcement partners across the Regions. Co-hosted the Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop 2006 with American and Canadian agencies. Developed and maintained contact with international tobacco enforcement personnel.