For release: December 29, 2004
McGuinty Government Welcomes U.S. Decision that Could
Re-open
Border to Canadian Cattle
U.S. Rule To Take Effect March 7, 2005
TORONTO - The McGuinty government hailed the recent U.S. decision
that would re-open its border to exports of live cattle and other livestock
from Canada as a vote of confidence in Ontario's and the nation's effective
measures to detect and prevent Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
"This is good news for Ontario's livestock producers," said
Premier Dalton McGuinty. "Working to re-opening the border was a
top priority for our government and this very positive announcement is
a testament to our efforts working co-operatively with our federal counterparts."
"This decision takes an enormous weight off our livestock producers,
who have had to deal with unprecedented fallout for almost 20 months,"
Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters said. "We have worked
very hard with the industry to soften the blow, but, as we said all along,
getting the border re-opened was our number one priority. This decision
is a positive first step."
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Canada will
be the first country recognized as a minimal-risk region, and a rule providing
for the export of live cattle under the age of 30 months (as well as certain
other animals and products) will take effect March 7, 2005.
Up to November 22, 2004, federal and provincial programs have provided
more than $260 million in assistance to Ontario producers - with $92 million
coming from the province. Up to another $75 million, with $30 million
from the province, will be provided to cattle producers through the new
set-aside
programs. In addition, up to another $40 million with $16 million from
the province, will be provided to ruminant producers through a 2004 CAIS
program interim payment.
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Contact:
Jamie Rilett
Minister Peters' Office
(416) 326-6439
(416) 458-2610 (Mobile)
