CFIA, provinces to address food trade issues in Lloydminster

A new pilot project is underway to better facilitate interprovincial food trade in the city of Lloydminster.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is working with the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments to eliminate difficulties relating to moving food from both provinces into and within Lloydminster.

“We are excited to see this pilot, not only as a potential solution for the unique needs of communities close to provincial boundaries, but also as a step towards improvements in interprovincial trade across the prairies,” said Alberta Beef Producers’ Vice Chair Sheila Hillmer.

Lloydminster’s location on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border has long created challenges for food trade, as interprovincial food trade is subject to federal regulations. The intention of this two-year pilot, led by the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, is to allow for “safe food to move into and within the city as if there was no provincial border,” according to a press release by the Government of Alberta.

“Current interprovincial trade restrictions are barriers for many farmers and ranchers who are interested in direct marketing beef across provincial jurisdictions,” said Brodie Haugan, ABP’s Finance Chair.

“This pilot is an encouraging step in the need to explore solutions to this ongoing challenge.”

As part of this initiative, the CFIA published a notice of intent on January 16, amending the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) regarding food trade in Lloydminster. With this amendment, businesses in Alberta and Saskatchewan will not be subject to the SFCR’s provisions on interprovincial trade “as long as the trade outside the province is limited to the city of Lloydminster,” as stated in the notice of intent.

“This would allow such food businesses to prepare food for trade into all of the city of Lloydminster, including the part of the city that is not within their province, without having to hold an Safe Food for Canadians licence and be subject to related requirements.”

Businesses wishing to participate in the pilot are asked to register with the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce.