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MP-Report

Food Safe Program For Wine

RON CANNAN NEWS RELEASE

Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced $312,000 for the Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) to develop a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety program for the wine industry.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the efforts of our food and drink industries to implement and maintain the highest safety and quality standards for their products,” said MP Cannan. “Our government is pleased to support the Canadian Vintners in the development of a program that will allow the industry to incorporate a food safety management system in the production of wine.”

HACCP is an international protocol to identify and manage risks in the food supply chain. It is recognized as the primary food safety standard for many countries around the world. While wine is considered a low health risk, as most pathogens cannot survive in its low pH environment, concerns that compromise safety, quality integrity and production efficiency make having a food safety program an important part of any winery.

“The development of a wine industry specific HACCP plan will enhance Canada’s reputation as a producer of safe, high-quality wine, and ensure grape and wine safety from the establishment and care of the vineyard to the storing of the finished product,” said Dan Paszkowski, President of the Canadian Vintners Association.

To create a wine specific food safety model, the CVA established a HACCP Technical Committee in June 2007 to provide the product and industry specific information required during the development of the CVA food safety models. The CVA HACCP materials will be assessed through five winery pilot studies, with an anticipated completion date of February 2008, before being made available to wineries across Canada.

Funding for the CVA to develop a HACCP program is being provided under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program, Systems Development component. The goal of the Systems Development component is to facilitate industry momentum in developing and implementing government-recognized food safety and food quality process-control systems throughout the entire food chain.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

The Honourable Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

On September 13th, 2012 Ron was summoned to be a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and will provide advice to the Government as a member of the Priorities and Planning Sub-Committee on Government Administration.

Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and regional government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa. 

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He is proud of the partnership and cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments which have resulted in significant infrastructure projects including upgrades to Highway 97, expansion of the Kelowna International Airport, a new horticulture strategy for fruit growers, obtaining a full service passport office for Kelowna and addressing critical economic issues such as labour skills shortages.

He works closely with the local Chambers of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, mental health, women’s resources, and support of arts and culture.

On Parliament Hill, Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since 2006 supporting initiatives which will broaden the economic opportunities for local businesses and businesses Canada-wide.

In previous parliamentary sessions Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates, Veteran’s Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development, the Scrutiny of Regulations Committee, and the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a member of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada.  Ron tabled Motion 218(formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine. His motion became Bill C-311, sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which was passed into law on June 28th, 2012.

Prior to entering politics, Ron developed a diverse business background as a small business owner and had several years experience in marketing and sales management working with corporations including Coca-Cola, Costco and Corus Entertainment.
 

Very active in his community, Ron has been a Director for both the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Central Okanagan Hospital Board. Ron also served on the Okanagan University College Access to Training Advisory Board, the Glenmore Elementary School Parents Advisory Council, and the Kelowna Christian School Fund Raising Committee. He was co-founder of the Okanagan Volunteer Festival. Currently Ron is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kelowna and, along with his wife Cindy, was the honorary Chair of the 2012 Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball.

Ron lives a family-oriented and active lifestyle with his wife Cindy. He is the proud father of three daughters and grandfather to three grandsons. His hobbies include music and sports.



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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