These comments are direct quotations from the Hansard
documents.
Detailed Plan Needed for Industry
Mr.
Rick Casson (Lethbridge, CPC): Mr. Speaker, primary producers, the
devastated trucking industry, other related industries, businesses and
communities are all part of the BSE crisis. However, many of these were
left out at the recent photo op announcement made by the Prime Minister.
The Liberals have been so busy covering up scandals and running away from
real responsibilities they have once again forgotten to put together a
solid plan and vision for our agricultural community.
I ask the minister, where is the detailed plan our agriculture industry
will need to get through the coming year of uncertainty?
Hon. Mark Eyking (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Agriculture and Agri-Food (Agri-Food), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I would
like to thank the member opposite for finally asking a question today
about agriculture.
The government is totally committed to agriculture. We had three programs
rolled out last year. Two weeks ago the Prime Minister announced $1
billion to the agricultural industry. As we speak, the Prime Minister is
in B.C. meeting with the cattle producers of British Columbia to help them
with their problems.
Mr. Rick Casson (Lethbridge, CPC): Mr. Speaker, April 7 will mark
the end of the U.S. department of agriculture comment period on the
proposed rule change that will allow our live cattle under 30 months of
age into the United States. With the U.S. getting closer to its
requirements to allow trade in live cattle and other ruminants, what has
the government done to facilitate a smooth transition to an open border?
More specifically, where are the detailed regulations our industry will
have to implement to facilitate year-round importation of U.S. cattle?
Hon. Mark Eyking (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Agriculture and Agri-Food (Agri-Food), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I thank the
member for a question on the beef industry. As the member opposite knows,
we are in a comment period in the United States and it is going to be over
on April 7.
I have to compliment both sides of the House for meeting with congressmen
in the United States about this issue. The minister is constantly talking
to secretary Veneman. After April 7 all we can hope for is that the U.S.
government bases its decision on science.
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