The money grab starts at
$259.48 and rises to $277.80 by 2017-18
It comes on the eve of the
implementation of what’s called the MEGA-REG in the United States, and a
requirement that all who import food into the U.S. obtain a licence eery two
years. The fees, if any, have not yet been announced by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The CFIA has opened
consultations on the proposed fees until June 29.
"The proposed
regulations would include a range of tools and streamlined processes to help
importers -- particularly small enterprises -- transition to the new
requirements," CFIA said.
"Whether food comes
from across the street or across the ocean, consumers should have confidence in
their purchases," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
"The measures being
proposed would tighten controls on imported foods and build on the significant
investments we've already made to safeguard Canada's food supply," he
said.
So, tell us, Gerry, how does licensing importers do anything to enhance food safety? It seems to have more to do with enhancing your budget.
