2022-23 Departmental Plan

Modernize the Canadian Grain Commission’s regulatory framework, programs, and services

An efficient, effective, science-based regulatory framework, programs, and services are essential to capitalize on innovation and to meet the evolving needs of the grain sector. Key initiatives related to this area of focus include, but are not limited to:

• Modernizing the Canadian Grain Commission’s regulatory framework to support an innovative and evolving grain sector. The Canadian Grain Commission remains committed to working with portfolio partners to respond to the Canada Grain Act Review outcomes and implement an evidence-based vision for a modernized grain regulatory framework. In 2021, the Canadian Grain Commission supported Agriculture and Agri-food Canada to conclude consultations on the Canada Grain Act Review and publish a “What We Heard Report”. This included supporting engagement with sector stakeholders and developing a path forward for modernization involving both legislative and non-legislative pathways. Also as part of this initiative the Canadian Grain Commission will continue to put forward regulatory amendment packages to deliver on established grain grading and producer protection modernization goals as outlined in its Forward Regulatory Plan: 2021 to 2023. In 2021, the Canadian Grain Commission finalized three regulatory amendment packages: housekeeping amendments to improve clarity and transparency; adding canary seed as a designated grain under the Canada Grain Act; and reducing four official inspection and weighing fees.
  
  During the 2022-23 planning period and beyond, the Canadian Grain Commission is proposing the following regulatory initiatives: a comprehensive review of the Canadian Grain Commission’s service fees and standards to ensure alignment with costs of service provision; elimination of the grain delivery declaration requirement for grains not subject to variety registration and for grains for which no merit criteria apply as part of the variety registration process (as a result of Canada Grain Act amendments associated with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement); modernization of ‘Subject to Inspector’s Grade and Dockage’ provisions; and the repeal of Schedule 3 along with the incorporation by reference of updated grading tables.
• Developing and delivering a suite of integrated program delivery systems to provide seamless, digital service to Canadian Grain Commission clients. The Canadian Grain Commission continues to develop digital services, including the MyCGC Portal for clients, which will be launched in the fiscal year 2022-23. MyCGC Portal will serve as basis for providing online licensing and certification services. Portal Lite, which is the first version of the MyCGC Portal to be released, will be designed for online Statistics applications. In addition, the Canadian Grain Commission continues to create a Digital Operations Strategic Plan (DOSP) based on the Government of Canada’s DOSP and the Canadian Grain Commission’s business and cyber security needs; collaborate with other government departments on digital program delivery options to build on existing resources and best practices; and implement the Canadian Grain Commission Data Strategy to support accessible data and self-serve analytical tools.
  
  In the first quarter of 2021-22, the Canadian Grain Commission established a working group with Public Service and Procurement Canada – Digital Solutions, GCCase Expert Service for support to implement MyCGC Portal short term deliverables. Further, the Canadian Grain Commission released an online calculator for test weight/bushel weight conversions, and estimation of grain volume in containers, piles and bins. The Canadian Grain Commission deployed an online statistical reporting application for Primary & Process Elevator Weekly Reporting with changes that meet Government of Canada standards and requirements for user access and security of applications. Canadian Grain Commission Data Strategy implementation has started with adoption of Microsoft Power-BI for visualizing data (i.e., statistics at a glance). Several information dashboards have been created towards development of a self-service database.
• Modernizing the grain grading system to strengthen the quality and dependability of Canadian grain. This initiative involves reviewing the Canadian grain grading system, considering the scientific basis for its various aspects, and making improvements where required. Going forward, the Canadian Grain Commission will continue to assess components of the grain grading system to ensure that it aligns with the needs of the Canadian grain sector. For example, the Canadian Grain Commission plans to review the cargo statement catalogue to ensure all statements are accurate, supported by data and align with its mandate. The Canadian Grain Commission also plans to implement a sustainable staffing model to ensure efficient delivery of official inspection and weighing. A sustainable staffing model involves ongoing work with regional service delivery managers and the national manager of training and Future of Work unit. Part of this work will focus on reviewing the Grain Inspector Development Program by considering pandemic restrictions, anticipated grain volumes, growing grain shipping capacity, new terminal construction, inspector attrition, and ongoing training and development needs.

Position the Canadian Grain Commission as a global leader in grain science

The Canadian Grain Commission is a world class, science-based quality assurance provider. The changing needs of Canada’s grain quality assurance system present new opportunities for the Canadian Grain Commission to position itself as a global leader in grain science. During the planning period, initiatives supporting this area of focus include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing the Canadian Grain Commission Science Strategy to provide a vision for the future of science and support innovative programs and services. The CGC will develop and implement a Canadian Grain Commission Science Strategy to provide a vision for the future of science at the Canadian Grain Commission and support innovative programs and services. A key component in developing the Science Strategy is engagement of staff, academia, and stakeholders to set a strategy for innovation and research based on sector priorities and emerging trends. These engagement activities will help identify long-term goals and priorities for science at the Canadian Grain Commission and ensure alignment with grain sector needs and emerging trends.
  
  Additionally, the Canadian Grain Commission will articulate requirements, assess options and seek authorities for its headquarters building project to address aging infrastructure and limited functional space at its current location. This also involves investing in new technologies and equipment to enable innovation efficiencies in the Grain Research Laboratory. The Canadian Grain Commission continues to engage with Public Service and Procurement Canada, who is leading the project on its behalf, to explore next steps in securing a long-term accommodation solution. An Investment Analysis Report (IAR) has been drafted and will be updated to reflect current market conditions and Canadian Grain Commission requirements for laboratory and office space. The IAR is a critical document that will be used to determine estimated project costs and obtain project approval and funding requirements. At the same time, the Canadian Grain Commission continues to evaluate its existing facilities and has developed a medium-term investment strategy to make required improvements to the Grain Research Laboratory to maintain and improve research capacity over the next five to seven years. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Canadian Grain Commission also plans to integrate custom laboratory databases and manual systems into an automated, central Laboratory Information Management System.
• Providing grain quality and safety research and analysis to mitigate market access risks and respond to emerging trade issues. Importers are becoming more discriminating and regulators more stringent regarding factors such as genetically modified (GM) events, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides, and Maximum Limits (MLs) for naturally occurring toxins and trace elements. Grain and food safety continue to be concerns in today’s environment as incidents of non-compliance can result in widespread cost ramifications for the entire value-chain. The Canadian Grain Commission continues to collaborate with Government partners, academia, and sector stakeholders to provide science-based responses to market access issues. For example, the Canadian Grain Commission established an enhanced testing program to help exporters pre-screen grain shipments for residues and thereby mitigate risks to market access in certain sensitive markets.
  
  The Canadian Grain Commission also worked with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and another national commodity association to resolve market access challenges associated with an important export market by enhancing inspection processes and providing data and expertise on the prevalence of certain insect pests of concern to that market. Additionally, the Canadian Grain Commission plans to enhance its testing and monitoring capabilities to support ongoing market access and to expand data sharing and accessibility to demonstrate Canadian grain quality and safety.

Strengthen the Canadian Grain Commission’s stakeholder relationships, with a focus on Canadian grain producers

For grain producers, sector stakeholders, and ultimately the Canadian economy to fully benefit from the Canadian Grain Commission’s programs and services, they need to be aware of what is available. The Canadian Grain Commission aims to raise awareness of its mandate, programs, and services among all grain sector stakeholders and to continuously monitor and evaluate ways that the Canadian Grain Commission can effectively support its external stakeholders through two-way communication and outreach activities. During the planning period, initiatives include:

• Enhancing the Canadian Grain Commission’s visibility with grain producers and sector stakeholders to increase awareness of programs and services. The Canadian Grain Commission will capitalize on opportunities to reconnect with individual producers and grain industry stakeholders post-pandemic through virtual and in-person trade show presence, attendance at annual general meetings, implementation of a regular engagement schedule, and various other means of communication. Additionally, the Canadian Grain Commission plans to build stronger relationships with stakeholders in Eastern Canada to better understand regional perspectives and needs. The Canadian Grain Commission will also continue to expand its virtual presence through increased use of video, interactive tools, and social media.
• Supporting grain producers at the point of sale/in-country to ensure they are fairly compensated for their deliveries. The consultation phase of the Canada Grain Act Review presented an opportunity to hear from producers and to reflect upon the Canadian Grain Commission’s role in ensuring producers’ trust in the grain handling system and the enforcement of Canada Grain Act provisions across Canada. In response to this feedback, in the 2022-23 and beyond planning period, the Canadian Grain Commission plans to engage with producers to ensure that the Canadian Grain Commission’s regulatory framework, programs, and services are clearly communicated across both eastern and western Canada. As part of this process, the Canadian Grain Commission will modernize, update and rebrand the producer right to binding dispute resolution of grain grade and dockage and subsequently initiate further consultations on the inclusion of additional grain quality characteristics into this protection. The Canadian Grain Commission also plans to assess producer safeguards at point of sale and the need for the Canadian Grain Commission involvement to ensure fair transactions.

Establish the Canadian Grain Commission as an employer of choice

The people who work at the Canadian Grain Commission are key to its organizational success now and in the future. Therefore, the Canadian Grain Commission’s priorities include a commitment to invest in its people to maintain a skilled, adaptable, and collaborative workforce. This area of focus and corresponding initiatives address current and future needs and sustain a culture of collaborative innovation.

• Investing in our people to foster a diverse, adaptable, and engaged workforce. During the 2022-23 period and beyond, the Canadian Grain Commission plans to implement and deliver on its People Plan. This plan was created to attract and retain talent, identify vulnerable positions, define succession plans, establish approaches to the future of work, and equip-middle managers with tools to support and engage staff while leveraging future of work opportunities. In addition, the Canadian Grain Commission will continue to foster a representative, diverse and inclusive workforce in barrier-free work environments. This will ensure an inclusive workforce in alignment with the Clerk’s “Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion ” while balancing with the Canadian Grain Commission operational and business needs. Monitoring and measurement of results will be conducted for all these priorities.
• Enabling a flexible and connected work environment. Through ongoing communication, support and consultation with staff at all levels, the Canadian Grain Commission will establish a modern workplace that promotes innovation, productivity, and well-being, as well as equip its employees with secure, state-of-the-art digital tools and mobile work solutions. As part of this initiative, the Canadian Grain Commission will enhance staff learning and development, and promote a hybrid workforce that provides employees with the flexibility to work both remotely and on site, depending on their personal preferences and business needs.

Gender-based analysis plus

The Canadian Grain Commission contributes to the government-wide priorities of gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness by incorporating GBA+ into its employment equity and diversity goals and framework. The Gender-based analysis plus supplementary information table details these initiatives.

Additionally, in an open letter on implementation of the “Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion” to the Clerk of the Privy Council, the Canadian Grain Commission’s Chief Commissioner outlined the actions taken to date within the department, and its plans to lay the foundations for systematic change on anti-racism, equity and inclusion. The Canadian Grain Commission has initiatives that address employment equity, diversity and inclusion; respectful workplaces; mental health and well-being; values and ethics; and official languages. The organization’s multi-year employment equity, diversity, and inclusion plan has guided its actions to increase awareness, address representation gaps, and to work towards implementation of the requirements of the Accessibility Act. An employee-driven National Employment Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee who provides diverse perspectives from across the organization, supports this work.

The Canadian Grain Commission has also launched a speaker series to share experiences and open dialogue about addressing systematic racism and/or barriers in the workplace. Working with its partners at the Public Service Commission, the Canadian Grain Commission continues to utilize employment equity recruitment options and flexibilities to address its representation gaps. Additionally, the Canadian Grain Commission is examining its staffing methodology and will take action to make necessary improvements to address any systemic barriers that exist. Further next steps will be to provide employee training on unconscious bias explore ways to expand outreach efforts and initiatives that allow partnerships to promote Canadian Grain Commission as an employer of choice and develop evidence-based measures to monitor progress.

United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Canadian Grain Commission became subject to the Federal Sustainable Development Act in December 2020 and adheres to the principles of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy by complying with the Policy on Green Procurement. The Policy on Green Procurement supports the Government of Canada’s effort to promote environmental stewardship. In keeping with the objectives of the policy, the Canadian Grain Commission supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision making process through the actions described in the 2019 to 2022 FSDS “Greening Government” goal.

Additionally, the Canadian Grain Commission has updated its 2020 to 2023 Short-form Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy to demonstrate commitments that go beyond procurement-related goals and include initiatives that contribute to achieving Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets from the Global Indicator Framework and/or the Canadian Indicator Framework, both of which are structured around the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Experimentation

In alignment with the federal government’s evidence-based approach to achieve planned results and address problems that traditional approaches have been unable to solve, the Canadian Grain Commission is committed to innovation and experimentation.

For example, in December 2019, in collaboration with Pulse Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission piloted a voluntary export analysis program to support small-lot exporters of Canadian pulses in meeting regulatory and contractual requirements. Program participants voluntarily submit samples of pulses to the Canadian Grain Commission for analysis and can view the results via a secure online database. Initial plans were for this program to be administered for a two-year period, but the program has been extended to July 2022 to account for its temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key risks

The key corporate risks that could affect achieving planned results under the Core Responsibility are:

• ensuring Canadian grain is dependable and safe while balancing rapidly evolving grain sector needs and managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• the Canadian Grain Commission’s aging grain research laboratory infrastructure and facilities; and
• the capacity to respond to opportunities while delivering upon the core mandate.

To mitigate program risk and ensure long-term success in delivering the departmental results, the Canadian Grain Commission will work to deliver on four key areas of focus and supporting initiatives described in Figure 1: The Canadian Grain Commission’s 2022-23 and Beyond Strategic Plan. The Canadian Grain Commission will also look to further mitigate program risks by integrating innovative practices adopted through the pandemic period into the Canadian Grain Commission’s post-pandemic operating environment.