Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How have you been conducting your investigation?

A: I began by learning more about the issues and the complexities of the Canadian food safety system. In that process, I heard the views of those involved in the food safety system.

I am also conducting formal investigative interviews which are supported by comprehensive document collection, analysis and review, to provide me with a substantial base of information.

Finally, I am analyzing the information I have received so that I have a comprehensive understanding of the events, circumstances and factors that contributed to the outbreak.

Q2. Is six months sufficient time to thoroughly investigate something as complex as the listeriosis outbreak that resulted in the death of 22 Canadians?

A: I have received full cooperation from all those affected by the listeriosis outbreak both directly and indirectly throughout my investigation. I am confident that I can deliver my report on time and with recommendations that can lead to important improvements in the food safety system.

Q3. How can Canadians submit their comments to you?

A: Through our web site I am inviting Canadians to share their views and information with me. To date I have received more than 400 comments. I urge anyone who has any information or recommendations to share with me to do so as soon as possible as my report must be submitted to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on July 20th, 2009.

Q4. If your report is due on July 20th, where you at now?

A: I am now finalizing my investigative interviews but remain open to receiving additional ideas and information. The next steps involve preparing my report.

Q5. Who have you met with? Have you met with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food or others from the Prime Minister's Office or the Privy Council Office?

A: At this stage, what I can share with you is that I have met key individuals from all levels of government, from the local, provincial and federal organizations involved, from the industry as well as with affected family members.

Q6. There have been comments that this investigation can not get to the bottom of things because you can't subpoena witnesses or have people testify under oath.

A: I have had full cooperation. All people who have been asked to participate have agreed to be interviewed.

Those interviewed have been open and forthcoming with their information and advice. I have received all documents that have been requested.

My experience has been that people want to help and want to be part of the solution.

Q7. Are you able to conduct your investigation independently and impartially?

A: I have been able to conduct my investigation independently and impartially. I have had complete latitude to conduct my investigation and have not been exposed to any interference in my investigation.

Q8. The safety of Canada's food system is both a federal and provincial/territorial responsibility. How do you plan to address this complex issue?

A: Within a federal, provincial and territorial context, Canada's Food Safety System is made up of responsibilities and accountabilities that begin with the producer and end with the consumer. During the course of my investigation I have also examined the Canadian food safety laws and regulations. My report will address these complexities in a way that is understandable to Canadians.

Q9. Much is being said about the provincial and federal Lessons Learned reports written about the 2008 Listeriosis outbreak. What is your view of these reports?

A: They are informative documents which are part of the source documents available to us.

But, I have not limited myself to these, because part of my investigation is to examine and review independently all information that is available about this outbreak. I would note that I have received millions of pages of documentation.

My findings, conclusions and recommendations will be based on all documentation and on information gathered through various investigative interviews throughout this process.

Q10. This was a serious outbreak. What will your report do?

A: My mandate includes examining the events, circumstances and factors that contributed to the listeriosis outbreak and reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of the response of the federal organizations, in conjunction with their food safety partners. I will report on the results of my examination. I will also be making recommendation based on the lessons learned from the events of last summer and other countries.