WHAT IS B & I ?
Since its formal inception in 2001, the Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada has been a driving force behind unifying the Canadian horse industry, identifying and addressing equine issues that affect the nation and representing our members’ interests nationally and internationally.
Along with having a voice in shaping the Canadian equine industry from a collective national perspective, affiliation enables your members to participate in initiatives such as domestic and international market development and contribute to directing policy on such issues as national equine identification, zoning and drug legislation.
There are a number of key benefits to having every equine industry member belong to B&I :
· Diverse representation provides increased awareness and effectiveness
· Collective representation (one-voice) garners legitimacy and “strength in numbers” influences policy
· Enhanced inter-group communications: an informed and involved forum by and for stakeholders
· Synergies created through association are focused on increasing growth and value
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Breeds & Industry Division Responsibilities as outlined in Equine Canada Governance Manual:
· Promoting, marketing and the development of export markets for Canadian-bred horses
· Liaison with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
· Liaison with federal government departments on horse industry issues
· Conducting herd health and horse improvement research
· Developing a national identification system for horses
· Promoting skills development, standards and certification for horse industry employees
· Recommending standards for animal welfare, and
· Establishing committees to assist the division in carrying out its work.
· To take a leadership role in the development of herd improvement programs for the Canadian herd
· To take a pro-active role within the industry in the development of national standards for breed registries, identification and breeder incentive programs
· To prepare an annual budget, which will, at a minimum, cover the Division’s budgeted share of the governance cost, and will provide for the financial sustainability of the Division
