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The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are pleased to announce the release of the Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines (CBSG), 1st edition. The CBSG provides the biosafety requirements for the safe handling and storing of human and terrestrial animal pathogens, toxins and prions and is the product of the harmonization and update of the Agencies’ previous standards and guidelines.

The CBSG 1st edition will replace the following documents on July 5, 2013:

Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines 3rd edition, 2004 (PHAC)
Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities 1st edition, 1996 (CFIA)
Containment Standards for Laboratories, Animal Facilities and Post Mortem Rooms Handling Prion Disease Agents, 2005 (CFIA)

The CBSG website provides access to the electronic version of the CBSG, information on the development and implementation process, and frequently asked questions. Attached to this email you will also find a CBSG Implementation Guide and Quick User Guide to help you navigate through the implementation process and the CBSG format.

The CBSG was developed in collaboration with an Expert Working Group (EWG) representing a wide range of sectors and areas of expertise. Input was also received and incorporated from a broad consultation process. We will continue consulting with our stakeholders as the CBSG second edition is developed, which is scheduled for release in the fall of 2015. It will reflect the full implementation of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and will incorporate new information in the field of biocontainment engineering.

We thank you for your input and support on this project and are looking forward to working with you through the transition process. If you have any questions regarding the implementation process, please email us at standards.normes@phac-aspc.gc.ca