Health Minister, Jean-Yves Duclos and Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced that $500,000 would be awarded to a small Canadian business, iFood Packaging Systems Corporation. As methyl bromide, a method currently used for plant treatment to control pests and pathogens, that causes ozone depletion, is being phased out, this funding will be used to develop an innovative plant treatment solution that is more compatible with The environment.

An example of challenges solved by innovations in food safety

Through the ISC, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency also launched a new challenge related to developing a portable test for detecting domoic acid in seawater. The importance of this issue is that acute poisoning can threaten the lives of humans and various animals, if they are exposed to this pollution for a long time and continuously, it can cause cognitive disability or illness. Therefore, the aim of this method will be to inform about the possible risk of domoic acid in time, which will help to increase food safety and reduce product spoilage, and save resources related to food safety research, recalls, and activities. The ISC Challenges provide opportunities for collaboration between Canadian small businesses and the Government of Canada through these partnerships to achieve new scientific and innovative advances and tailored decision-making to protect Canada's food, plants, and animals, and thereby the health of Canadians and the environment.

Innovative Solutions Canada

Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) is a research and development procurement program that promotes innovation and economic development in Canada. It features 21 federal departments and agencies that invite small businesses to submit or prototype new solutions to Canadian government challenges. These proposals and examples are tested in real-world environments with the ultimate goal of promoting the growth of Canadian companies while supporting the mandates of participating government agencies such as the CFIA. Therefore, these challenges lead to the creation of innovative solutions.

A few quotes about protecting the health and safety of Canadians with new innovations

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, says about this: "Programs such as Innovative Solutions Canada give the Government of Canada the opportunity to collaborate with small businesses and support Canadian innovators. The development of an environmentally-friendly alternative phytosanitary treatment method and the ability to test domoic acid in marine water at the source will help protect Canadians and our environment while keeping Canada's and food supply safe." The Honourable Francois- Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, also quotes: "Our government is committed to supporting Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. By investing in their innovative solutions, we are giving them the opportunity to play a significant part in ensuring food safety and plant health, while providing the tools and opportunities they need to grow and succeed."