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