Months after it was first promised in legislation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has its industry advisory committee.
Last week, federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief announced the appointment of a 12-member board led by Quebec farm leader Paul Massicotte.
It includes western representatives Deborah Haines of Saskatchewan, a professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Alberta feedlot owner Ben Thorlakson and Michael Hunter, president of the Fisheries Council of British Columbia.
The advisory council also includes a representative of the Consumers’ Association of Canada, meat packers, fruit and vegetable growers and several Ontario mixed farmers.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Jack Wilkinson, one of the leading advocates of appointing an advisory board to the recently formed food inspection agency, also is a member.
Vanclief said the 12 members were chosen to provide knowledge in food safety, market access and consumer protection.
