Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced earlier this morning new steps to improve product safety, including stronger product recall powers, heavier fines for manufacturers and increases in product safety inspectors and investigations.
Prime Minister Harper this morning revealed elements of rigorous new product safety regulations, as promised in October in the government’s speech from the Throne. The announcement took place at a Salvation Army toy depot in Ottawa.
"Canadians shouldn't have to worry about the toys they're putting under the tree, they shouldn't have to worry about the food they eat and they shouldn't have to worry about drugs that may do more harm than good," he said, quotes a report by the CBC.
"Canadians rightly expect their federal government to police the safety of the products they bring into their homes," the Prime Minister said in a news release.
Legislation to be introduced early next year will give the government more power to order mandatory recalls of products, especially if companies fail to act on legitimate safety concerns. Importers and manufacturers will also be obligated to report on all defects and to ensure the safety of their products.
Harper also called for a wider tracking system of food products and better partnership with foreign authorities.
"Canadian companies that take product safety seriously shouldn't have to compete with fly-by-night operators out to make a quick buck no matter what the consequences," Harper also said.
The CBC mentions that under the current Food and Drug Act, first time offenders who violate safety standards face fines of up to $5,000.
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