Canadian Prairies (Rural Roots Canada) – Several Prairie cattle groups are raising concerns about proposed federal changes to livestock traceability regulations, saying the system must better reflect the realities of cattle production before new requirements move ahead.
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) says it cannot support the proposed amendments in their current form and plans to establish its own traceability working group to review the system alongside governments and industry partners.
The decision follows extensive producer engagement, including 15 meetings across Alberta and a province-wide town hall. Delegates passed a resolution at ABP’s 2026 annual general meeting directing the organization to create the working group.
The proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations are being advanced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
ABP says it fundamentally supports traceability and its role in strengthening disease preparedness, protecting market access and maintaining consumer confidence. However, the organization says the system must be supported by proven technology, reflect the realities of cattle production and avoid adding unnecessary costs or red tape for producers.
Similar concerns have been raised in Saskatchewan.
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The Saskatchewan Cattle Association says it does not support the proposed regulatory amendments and is calling for the process to be terminated. The organization says it has heard concerns and frustrations from producers and is also calling for significant reforms at the CFIA to rebuild trust in the regulator.
In addition, the Saskatchewan group is seeking a voting seat on the board of the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency.
In Manitoba, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) says it also does not support the proposed regulatory changes, while emphasizing it supports a livestock traceability system that strengthens animal health, protects market access and reinforces confidence in Canadian beef.
The organization says any changes should follow an industry-led, risk-based approach that builds on existing systems, reduces duplication and keeps reporting requirements as streamlined and passive as possible.
“Any traceability system must improve disease response capacity while remaining practical and cost-conscious,” said Arvid Nottveit, President of MBP, in a statement. “We’re committed to work collaboratively to design a framework that strengthens traceability without compounding red tape for the beef industry. It is also essential there is sectoral trust and confidence in the system.”
The MBP says enhancements should focus on the areas of greatest disease and biosecurity risk while avoiding reporting requirements that offer minimal benefit. The group also says any framework must protect the efficient movement of cattle within and between provinces and avoid adding costs that producers cannot absorb.
MBP says it will continue advocating for a balanced approach that reflects producer perspectives while achieving national animal health objectives.
