For immediate release: 02 June 2006
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS ANIMAL HEALTH, FOOD
SAFETY
Funding For University To Help Respond To Animal Diseases
GUELPH - The McGuinty government is continuing to enhance
the Province's ability to prevent and respond to animal disease threats,
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky said
today.
"Together with the University of Guelph and our partners in
the agri-food industry, we are working to ensure that we are able
to respond to animal disease outbreaks, which can have an impact on
food safety and human health," said Dombrowsky.
As part of its spring Budget, the Ontario government announced it
would transfer $25 million to the University of Guelph to support
animal health in the province. This money will enhance the province's
ability to prevent and respond to animal disease threats, including
diseases such as avian influenza.
Some new communicable diseases originate in animals. Having an updated
diagnostics capability for animal diseases can improve detection of
potential threats to human health.
Today's announcement is another example of the McGuinty government's
commitment to the health and safety of Ontarians. Other initiatives
include:
- Hiring 33 new full-time water inspectors, investigators and other
compliance staff
- A plan to include five per cent ethanol in gasoline by 2007, which
will make Ontario gasoline some of the cleanest in North America
- Working to prevent illness by battling smoking (ban on smoking
in public places and workplaces) and fighting air pollution (closed
coal-fired Lakeview Generating Plant)
"We believe all Ontarians deserve a healthy environment and
a safe food supply," said Dombrowsky. "The important work
done at the University of Guelph supports our agri-food industry and
protects the health of the people of Ontario."
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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072
Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198
For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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