Cultivating Science

This past year the whole world was pulled into the life of an epidemiologist.

Epidemiologists in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Animal Health Science Directorate are used to following infectious diseases around the world as they come and go. These emerging diseases sometimes raise the alarm for scientists in multiple countries. In some cases, when they make it into the mainstream media, family and friends express concern as well. The work of epidemiologists was at the forefront and words like the “R number” became a common household term, as the rise of the SARS-CoV-2 virus brought about a global pandemic. Despite the challenges the pandemic has placed on health systems, economics, food supply, education and mental health, it has also provided opportunities to advance science.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) safeguards the health of Canadians by using science to figure out what poses the greatest risk to the food supply, and conducts inspections accordingly.

Science at CFIA is ever-growing, always changing, and constantly improving. As our science changes, the tools, techniques and infrastructure must also evolve to meet the needs of our innovative scientists across the country.

Calling all superheroes! We need your help in the fight against our worst enemies.

Every day, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) protects food, animals and plants, which helps improve the health of Canada's people, environment and economy. But, we constantly need the help of brave superheroes, like you and your friends, to keep all Canadians safe.

My kids always ask me, “Dad what is your job? What do you do at work?” My response is simple, “I work with DNA. I use DNA to identify diseases affecting plants.”

Ah, a nice warm fire! Gathering around campfires in the summer or a hearth in the cold winter is classically Canadian. Firewood is plentiful and who doesn’t like its cheery warm glow?

One misty Island morning, as I climbed into a cab on my way to work, the driver asked where I was going. I responded in the Island way, simply, “the big white building with the greenhouses.” Immediately he exclaimed, “Oh, the plant hospital!” to which I replied smiling, “It does look like a hospital, but we only diagnose and we don’t treat the plants.” The work performed in the incredible building has always been a topic of rumour around our little town.

Students know best how daunting it is to kick-start a career after graduation. For those educated in science, looking for the right place to apply their talent and skills is an exciting yet sometimes difficult endeavour. This challenge is magnified by having to decide between a vast array of science jobs on the market: industry, academia, consulting, and government. In the competitive job market of the 21st century, it takes a proactive and innovative employer to convey to students that their competencies are valued and sought after.

High consequence pathogens, such as those that cause hemorrhagic fevers or pandemic influenza, have the potential to significantly impact human health, animal health as well as our Canadian economy. The mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) includes work on foreign animal diseases such as these in order to contribute to our country's preparedness and response planning. This work covers all aspects of risk assessment, prediction, prevention, detection as well as restoration and recovery after a potential disease outbreak.