Joint statement by regulators on animal welfare

Canadian and European Union (EU) Regulators together hereby declare that:

Whilst following different approaches, the EU and Canada are both advanced jurisdictions concerning animal welfare. The ongoing dialogue under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Regulatory Co-operation Forum (RCF) enables both parties to profit from their knowledge, expertise and science on animal welfare issues, while facilitating an exchange and sharing of best practices and approaches to animal welfare.

In keeping with the 2021 Canada-EU summit Joint Statement, the RCF enhances Canada-EU collaboration and information sharing, consistent with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)’s “One Health” approach. Critically, it also highlights the importance of integrating human and animal health and welfare, as part of a productive and sustainable agriculture and food system.