Update on appeal for interlocutory injunction to protect production of canada’s kosher meat

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

Ottawa, ON – July 12, 2024 – This week, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), MK Global Kosher Certification Agency (MK) and the Kashruth Council of Canada (COR), the two largest Canadian kosher certifying agencies, were in Federal Court in Montreal seeking an interlocutory injunction to protect the continued production of domestic kosher meat. The two-day legal process, which benefited significantly from Federation CJA and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto support, sought the suspension of new CFIA guidelines that would significantly impact the viability of shechita.

The judge indicated that a decision could be expected in August.

At the close of the hearing, Shimon Koffler Fogel, President and CEO, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, provided the following update:

“It is never possible or prudent to predict the outcome of legal proceedings, the sponsoring parties all felt the hearing went well and that our legal team presented the case persuasively. While awaiting the court’s decision, CIJA has scheduled a meeting with Lawrence MacAulay, the federal Minister of Agriculture, with the intention of securing his support for renewed discussions with CFIA with the objective of resolving the issue in a collaborative and constructive way.

“Shechita is a foundational element of a healthy, dynamic Jewish community, so all efforts must be undertaken to ensure its stability over the coming years.”

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Additional Background

• Press Release: Canadian Jewish community determined to protect charter rights against CFIA infringement – July 9, 2024
• CIJA, MK, and COR Joint Statement on Kosher Slaughter in Canada – March 10, 2024

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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