These comments are direct quotations from the Hansard
documents.
Proposed Border Opening
Mrs. Rose-Marie Ur
(Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, my question is for
the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The United States closed
its border to Canadian cattle and other livestock in May 2003 as a result
of BSE, causing devastating economic impacts for the Canadian livestock
industry.
Yesterday, the Minister of
Agriculture and Agri-Food, Andy Mitchell, met with the U.S. secretary of
agriculture in Washington. What assurances did the minister receive from
Secretary Johanns regarding the upcoming March 7 border opening and when
can farmers expect full and fair resumption of trade within the industry?
The Speaker: The
hon. member knows she cannot refer to other hon. members by name. I would
caution her in that regard.
Mrs. Rose-Marie Ur: I
apologize, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Wayne Easter
(Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
(Rural Development), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the minister and his
delegation certainly should be congratulated for their trip to Washington
and for their efforts to get the border open.
We are very pleased that
Secretary Johanns is committed to the March 7 opening for live cattle
under 30 months. We are also pleased that he is still committed to working
toward a full resumption of trade.
We as a government will
continue to press aggressively in that matter for full resumption of beef
trade--
The Speaker: The
hon. member for Peace River.
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