February 14, 2008

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) appreciates the invitation to comment on Canada's Food and Consumer Safety Plan Discussion Paper.

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has been the Voice of Retail in Canada since 1963. We speak for an industry that touches the daily lives of Canadians in every corner of the country — by selling goods and services, providing jobs, career opportunities, and by investing in the communities we serve.

RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association representing more than 40,000 store fronts of all retail formats across Canada, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants. The retail sector serves as an important economic driver and as a barometer of consumer trends and confidence.

Canadian retailers take pride in their industry and the contribution it makes to the country's well being. Consumer safety and product quality are extremely high priorities for RCC and its members. Retailers know that their collective success depends on retaining the confidence of customers and fulfilling their duties as responsible corporate citizens.

RCC and its members have worked closely with Health Canada, Canadian Border Services Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on food, health and consumer safety matters. Retailers have proactively ensured high standards are in place and that the sector responds responsibly and quickly when an issue with a product is identified. Our track record demonstrates our deep commitment to the safety of Canadians.

RCC and its members support the goal of strengthening and modernizing Canada's safety system for food, health and consumer products by preventing problems in the first place, instituting targeted oversight and responding rapidly to issues as they occur. This document outlines the retail industry's response with respect to how this may be achieved in the best interests of Canadians.