A:   The classifications of Canada A, Canada AA, Canada AAA and Canada Prime are the carcass quality grading system used by the Canadian Beef Grading Agency. The grades were changed in 1996 to mirror the marbling standards of the United States. The minimum marbling standards used for Canada Prime (slightly abundant marbling) are the same as USDA Prime grade beef, the Canada AAA marbling standard (Small) is the same as USDA Choice, the Canada AA marbling standard (Slight) is the same as USDA Select, and the Canada A (Traces) is the same as USDA Standard. Marbling is the small flecks of fat that can be seen within the muscle and the standards for marbling range a low amount of traces to a high amount of Abundant. As a general rule, as the marbling and quality grade increased, the tenderness and overall palatability of the meat increases and the intramuscular fat content also increases.

The following web site may also be helpful: Canada Beef: Beef Quality.