🧬 Biosecurity – Public Health Agency of Canada

Biosecurity refers to measures and practices designed to prevent the loss, theft, misuse, diversion or intentional release of human pathogens, toxins and other regulated biological materials. It is a key component of responsible laboratory and containment facility management in Canada and supports public health and environmental protection.

📌 What Biosecurity Covers

Biosecurity includes risk mitigation strategies that protect biological assets and related sensitive information, personnel and equipment. It works in combination with biosafety protocols to ensure safe handling of infectious material and to reduce risks associated with laboratory research and pathogen storage.

🔐 Licensing and Security Clearances

The Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) and its regulations require licence holders and certain personnel to receive security clearances for access to sensitive biological agents and toxins. Applicants must submit fingerprint information and complete consent and certification forms to initiate screening and background checks.

🧾 Key Requirements for Clearance

  • Endorsement by an HPTA licence holder for access to regulated facilities.
  • Signed consent and certification form submitted via the Biosecurity Portal.
  • Fingerprint submission to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for criminal records check.
  • Additional documentation for foreign nationals, such as CV and police checks from jurisdictions lived in.

🛡️ Biosecurity Plans and Standards

Facilities that handle or store regulated biological agents are expected to implement a formal biosecurity plan aligned with Canadian biosafety standards and guidelines. These plans assess risk, outline physical and operational controls, and describe how to manage access, inventory and incident response.

📣 Reporting and Compliance

Under Canadian biosecurity rules, organisations must:

  • Report missing or stolen biological agents or toxins promptly via the Biosecurity Portal.
  • Comply with mandatory reporting and incident response requirements under the HPTA.
  • Encourage voluntary reporting of suspicious activities involving regulated materials.

📘 Additional Resources