Provincial and federal meat inspectors will share resources to ensure a consistent supply of safe food products for Albertans and Canadians.

To ensure the continuous operation of Alberta’s food supply chain, the provincial government is partnering with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to increase food inspector capacity.

Training will begin soon, which will allow provincial meat inspectors to be deployed into high-priority federally licensed plants in Alberta as demand for more food inspectors increases.

"We must continue to provide high-quality food for Canadians, while ensuring we protect the health of our workers. By working together, our governments have ensured we have a COVID-19 contingency plan for inspection services," says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

As a result of COVID-19, the food processing industry is experiencing increased demand. These redeployments will ensure the continued capability to provide meat inspections in the province and keep food products on shelves. In addition, steps have been taken to increase provincial inspector capacity by bringing back retired inspectors.

Protecting the health and safety of inspectors and workers in meat processing facilities is a critical element in meeting the demands of both domestic and export markets.

This move is part of a comprehensive COVID-19 response to keep Albertans safe through this unprecedented global health emergency.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates approximately 74 animal slaughter, meat processing and meat storage establishments in Alberta. These federally inspected plants are vital contributors to the food supply of Albertans and of Canadians.