Regulatory and International Affairs: Protecting the Health of Canadians at Home and Abroad

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More than ever, the health of Canadians is influenced by international factors. For example, the increasing movement of people and goods around the world has dramatically increased the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Health Canada's Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) plays an important role in safeguarding the health of Canadians by facilitating cooperation with other countries and organizations responsible for regulating health products and food. HPFB's involvement in these activities is consistent with the Branch's mission, the Department's international agenda, and overall Government of Canada's priorities and objectives.

Office of Regulatory and International Affairs

Within HPFB, the Office of Regulatory and International Affairs (ORIA) improves the ability and capacity of the branch to develop consistent approaches to regulating risks, implementing regulatory policy and promoting HPFB's interests around the world. International involvement ensures our awareness of new research and information that may affect the health of Canadians.

Sharing information, building capacity

HPFB is seen internationally as a leading expert in regulating health products and food. Because of this expertise, HPFB is often asked to share its knowledge with the rest of the world. HPFB regularly hosts international delegations and other visitors who are interested in learning about the Canadian regulatory framework

In addition, HPFB participates in a number of international committees along with other health experts and international regulators. By sharing knowledge and discussing ideas with such partners, we draw on one another's experiences and leverage resources for the development of "better" regulations to protect the health of Canadians.

Strategic partnerships

Through ORIA, HPFB has also developed strategic partnerships with various groups both within Canada and abroad. These partnerships range from involvement in large, multilateral organizations such as the World Health Organization, to bilateral projects with individual governments and other agencies. These arrangements are designed to facilitate cooperation between agencies and various groups within HPFB.

For example, HPFB recently signed "Memoranda of Understanding" (MOUs) with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to facilitate the sharing of information and expertise related to therapeutic products. These agreements demonstrate the high priority that the Branch places on international regulatory cooperation.

In addition to bilateral agreements, HPFB participates in activities to maintain and strengthen public health safeguards. The objective is to work towards common product standards as well as criteria for the assessment of test data and enforcement procedures. This is accomplished through Codex, the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), the International Cooperation on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Products (VICH), and the Global Harmonization Task Force on Medical Devices (GHTF).

Our priority: the health and safety of Canadians

HPFB's main priority is the health and safety of Canadians. As we are increasingly affected and challenged by health issues that originate beyond our borders, HPFB will seek and continue to cooperate with international partners to protect and enhance the health of Canadians.

Health Canada
Health Products and Food Branch
250 Lanark Avenue
Graham Spry Building
Address Locator: 2005A
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Telephone: 613-957-1806
Facsimile: 613-954-3957
Email: hpfb-dgpsa@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/hpfb

The Office of Regulatory and International Affairs
Tower A, Qualicum Towers
2936 Baseline Road
Address Locator 3303A
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Telephone: 613-957-6349
Facsimile: 613-941-8322
Email: hpfb-dgpsa@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/oria