These comments are direct quotations from the Hansard
documents.
Returned Empty Handed
Mr.
Gerry Ritz (Battlefords—Lloydminster, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the
Minister of Agriculture returned empty-handed from his last sojourn to
Washington. We know he is talking with Secretary Veneman but aside from
some proposed changes in regulation, we see literally no movement on the
big issue, getting that border open.
Will the minister assure Canadian livestock producers that he will not
come back from Washington without a firm date on when that border will be
open to live trade?
Hon. Bob Speller (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, as the hon. member said, the Government of Canada is deeply
committed to getting the border open. Officials from my department and
from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have worked closely and
tirelessly with their American counterparts to develop a North American
approach to this issue.
I will be meeting with Secretary Veneman again. In fact I just got off the
phone with her 10 minutes ago. I am continuing to work with her to ensure
the border is opened as soon as possible.
Mr. Gerry Ritz (Battlefords—Lloydminster, CPC): Mr. Speaker,
livestock producers need to see some sort of a plan to see an end to this
trade dispute. We are not sending the minister down there to hold the
towels while the big boys use the executive washroom.
In light of a recent federal judge's decision in Montana to hold up
Canadian beef again, how can the minister think he is making any real
progress on convincing the Americans that we have a continental beef
industry?
Hon. Bob Speller (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, the hon. member should know that was a legal decision made in the
United States by a U.S. judge. We are looking now at the options that we
have. What that shows to us is the importance of getting the border open
and getting it opened as soon as possible.
I can assure all hon. members that the government will not give up on the
farmers and farm families across the country who depend on that border
being open.
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