Progress being made on key border initiatives: consumer packaged goods industry

Industry presses for even further headway

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's food, beverage and consumer products manufacturers welcome the Report to Leaders on the Beyond the Border and Regulatory Cooperation Council Action Plans released today, and hope one of the government's New Year's resolutions is to continue making even more progress on this file in 2013.

Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) is supportive of this important initiative as it is about greater efficiency and alignment on issues critical to business, growth and national security.

FCPC is most encouraged by the top focus on food safety and the importance of ensuring no duplicative and unnecessary inspections at the border, which will result in more efficient flow of goods, common standards and definitions in dealing with food on both sides of the border. As well, the launch of a pilot extending FAST benefits at the Sarnia border crossing is a good step forward.

There are clear work plans and ideas to move this key initiative forward. FCPC is strongly encouraging the leaders to continue progressing as this will help manufacturers invest in the economy and create jobs. FCPC is pleased that it remains very clear the initiative is about strategic alignment and Canada will continue to finalize rules and regulations that make the most sense for Canadians.

QUOTES

"Canada's food, beverage and consumer products manufacturers are encouraged by the details announced in today's Report to Leaders. While there remains lots of work to do, it's clear the Harper government is serious about delivering results on this important file. I wish for a New Year with even more headway towards making doing business between Canada and the U.S. more efficient. Ultimately, a more aligned system - where it makes strategic sense - will benefit the economy and most importantly, Canadian consumers."
- Nancy Croitoru, President & CEO, Food & Consumer Products of Canada

FACTS

• The food, beverage and consumer products manufacturing industry employs 300,000 Canadians - the largest employer in the manufacturing sector.
• Almost $100 million of agriculture and agri-food products move across the border between our two countries each day.

Food & Consumer Products of Canada is Canada's largest industry association representing the companies that manufacture and distribute the vast majority of food, beverage and consumer goods found on store shelves. Our members provide jobs to almost 300,000 Canadians, and include small and large; multi-national and Canadian-owned companies. Learn more at www.fcpc.ca and follow us at @FCPC1

SOURCE: Food and Consumer Products of Canada

Adam Grachnik
Director, Communications
Food & Consumer Products of Canada
[phone] ext 2226
[email protected]