New federal legislation has been proposed to boost protection for Canadian consumers by overhauling food and product safety laws.

Our government is letting manufacturers and suppliers know that Canada is developing more stringent standards for consumer products. We’ve been listening carefully to what the people want, and we are responding with the new Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and substantial amendments to the Food and Drug Act.

Under the auspices of Health Minister Tony Clement, the government is also delivering an important message to importers, wholesalers and retailers – do no harm to Canadians or there will be consequences. We are also introducing resources to enhance surveillance of products that are already on the market. Our proposed sweeping changes should allow every Canadian to have more confidence in what they purchase.

Mandatory recalls have so far just applied to food, but this new legislation makes it possible for the government to recall any products deemed harmful to the population. The onus is finally on health care institutions to report adverse drug reactions, and manufacturers will be required to report incidents where injuries occur, as well as “near misses” and defects.

As Prime Minister Stephen Harper pointed out when the legislation was announced on April 8, we know that the vast majority of Canadian manufacturers, importers and sellers are very conscientious corporate citizens. Any business that provides quality merchandise and food need not worry about the proposed crackdown. Quick-buck artists and lackadaisical merchandisers, on the other hand, had better beware, because this government plans to protect the people.

With those few unscrupulous offenders in mind, the government is increasing the maximum fine for unsafe products from one million to five million dollars. And, anyone who manufactures or distributes unsafe drugs will be subjected to an increase from the current five thousands dollars to five million dollars and beyond.

We’re putting an end to irresponsible corporate behaviour because the health of Canadians depends on it.
Federal Budget 2008 invested $113 million over two years to support our new Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan. Our three pillars of active prevention, targeted oversight, and rapid response will help to protect all Canadians from products that shouldn’t be in the marketplace. We believe this is the basic duty of any responsible government.

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