Canadian Jewish community determined to protect charter rights against CFIA infringement

 CFIA’s unjustified and untenable imposition of conditions on shechita forces the Jewish community to seek court relief to protect access to kosher meat

Ottawa, ON – July 9, 2024 – MK Global Kosher Certification Agency (MK) and the Kashruth Council of Canada (COR), the two largest Canadian kosher certifying agencies, have joined with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the public affairs and advocacy agent of the organized Jewish community, and various Jewish community stakeholders in seeking an interlocutory injunction to protect the continued availability of kosher meat in Canada.

“We are deeply disappointed and frustrated that, despite our collective best efforts over the last two years, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – which regulates all commercial meat processing in Canada – was unwilling to allow ritual kosher slaughter (shechita) to continue in accordance with the recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the world-renowned animal welfare scientist and advocate, Dr. Temple Grandin,” observed Richard Rabkin, Managing Director, COR.

Rabbi Saul Emanuel, CEO, MK, added that “the science is unequivocal in support of the way shechita is conducted in Canada. Regrettably, given CFIA’s unjustified and untenable imposition of conditions on shechita, we had no choice but to seek court relief to ensure the survival of kosher meat production in Canada.”

In support of its position, voluminous documentation, scientific studies, and independent assessments confirming that the conduct of shechita in Canada meets the highest standards of animal welfare have been submitted to the court in advance of the hearing that will take place at Federal Court in Montreal on July 10-11, 2024.

Central to the application is the assertion that the CFIA guidelines unjustifiably infringe on Jews’ freedom of religion and are discriminatory as they promote stereotypes and “prejudicial notions” about Jews and the tenets of their faith.

“Our goal throughout this process was to reach an agreement with CFIA regarding the legitimate place of shechita in Canada. Unfortunately, we have exhausted options that could lead to a settlement and are therefore obliged to seek a legal remedy to ensure the continued access of Canada’s 400,000 Jews to kosher food, and to preserve the infrastructure of the Jewish community – including the religious professionals who support the core and ancillary integrity and viability of the Jewish community,” concluded Shimon Koffler Fogel, President and CEO, CIJA. Fundamentally, this issue is about food security and equity, and we are determined to stand up and ensure the Charter rights of Canadian Jewry are fully protected.”

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 Additional Background

• Joint Statement on Kosher Slaughter in Canada – MK, COR, and CIJA

About the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada. CIJA is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect Jewish life in Canada through advocacy and to advance the public policy interests of Canada’s organized Jewish community.

About the MK Global Kosher Certification Agency
The MK Global Kosher Certification Agency has been around since 1922 and certifies more than 1,000 companies worldwide to the highest standards of kosher certification.

About the Kashruth Council of Canada (COR)
COR is Canada's largest kosher certification agency, recognized everywhere as a leader in kosher certification.

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