Board Committees

Structured to deal with key issues affecting Canada’s beef cattle industry, CCA’s 10 Board committees comprised of directors, at times industry representatives, plus a CCA staff representative, make recommendations to the board of directors on how to best support Canadian beef producers. The committees address issues such as animal health and meat inspection, environmental issues, animal care, foreign trade, domestic agriculture policy and regulation, and how to add value and increase competitiveness within the Canadian beef industry.
 

Environment

At the CCA we recognize that people care about how land being used to raise and care for cattle is sustained for future generations. The Environment Committee works towards understanding the environmental issues that affect the beef industry and encourages environmentally sustainable production practices. Communicating to the public that cattle producers are responsible custodians of the natural resources they utilize is another fundamental responsibility.
 

Animal Care

When animals are used for human benefit, they should be treated humanely. This is the guiding principle of animal care. Humane treatment is consistent with beef production – content and healthy cattle are more productive. Well cared for animals produce higher quality beef which benefits both the cattle and the farmer. This committee works alongside governments, veterinarians, and humane societies to establish a national code of practice for the care and handling of beef cattle. Producer education and training programs are also of importance to this committee.
 

Animal Health and Meat Inspection

We want our beef to be safe and of the best quality by the time it gets to your plate. The animal health and meat inspection committee works to eradicate reportable diseases from the Canadian cattle herd and ensure that regulations are based on sound, current science and do not unnecessarily impede trade. The committee also wants to ensure consumer confidence in the Canadian meat inspection system and be recognized by trading partners as outstanding for providing food safety assurance.
 

Value Creation and Competitiveness

In recent years, several agri-food crises broke out in various countries caused by diseases transmitted through food, prompting consumers to be more aware in the quality and origin of the food they purchase. The Value Creation and Competitiveness committee works towards food safety, quality and assurance programs. The committee aims to gain new customers domestically and internationally, differentiate Canada’s beef product, and generate trust in the safety and quality of Canadian beef.
 

Foreign Trade

The foreign trade committee focuses on free trade and equal access for the Canadian beef industry. The CCA wants to ensure that the Canadian beef industry has favourable access to international markets and that we are not exposed to unfair competition. This committee also works towards eliminating programs, measures and subsidies around the world that distort trade.
 

Domestic Ag-Policy and Regulations

The Domestic Agriculture Policy and Regulations committee deals with non trade-related regulatory issues, such as general government policy, safety nets and transportation regulations. This committee also makes representation to the government and works with other committees or groups on issues of mutual interest.
 

Convention

Each year the CCA holds its semi-annual meeting and convention in a different region of Canada, bringing together producers and industry affiliates for five days of networking, entertainment, information sessions and policy setting. This committee is comprised of local provincial members who work together to plan an exciting event that showcases their province and its contribution to the cattle industry. View our Events Calendar for more information on this year’s convention.
 

Executive and Finance

The Executive and Finance committees develop the annual budgets for the CCA, CanFax, and the BIC. Provincial and National Check-off administration is also handled as well as the communication of industry issues and the establishment of committees and chairmen.