Chapter 3 - Canada’s Oversight of Animal Use in Science

Abstract

Canada's oversight of animal use in science has evolved in a different manner than many other countries. Arising from a study in 1966, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) was established as a peer review system heavily reliant on the contribution of volunteer experts to contribute to the development of standards and the assurance of compliance both within institutions and nationally through the CCAC's Assessment and Certification program. Institutions found to be in compliance with CCAC's standards receive a Certificate of GAP-Good Animal Practice® as a tangible sign of their commitment to maintaining publically acceptable standards of animal care and use. Academic institutions must obtain and maintain a valid Certificate of GAP-Good Animal Practice® in order to be eligible for funding by the two main granting agencies that fund animal-based research. While there is no federal legislation in Canada in the area of oversight of the use of animals for scientific purposes, many of the provinces have made reference to the CCAC guidelines and policies in the regulations to their animal welfare acts, making it a provincial requirement to adhere to CCAC standards. One province, Ontario, has enacted legislation in the form of the Ontario Animals for Research Act. Institutions within this province are therefore subject to both CCAC standards and the requirements of the Animals for Research Act.