2004 Western Premiers’ Conference

INUVIK, July 9, 2004

BSE

Premiers expressed support for today’s joint Canada/U.S. announcement to further strengthen safeguards against BSE. This announcement, which has been called for by the Premiers in the past, represents a positive signal that Canada and the U.S. are working together to further ensure food safety.

Premiers also urged the Prime Minister to continue his personal intervention at the highest levels of the United States Administration to reopen the U.S. border to live cattle. Senior U.S. officials have continuously acknowledged the fact that there is no scientific reason for keeping the border closed. It is, therefore, imperative that the Prime Minister strongly encourage the U.S. government to show leadership in instituting rational trade policies based on sound science. Premiers will work with the Prime Minister to further these objectives.

Western Premiers discussed the devastating economic effects being felt in western Canada from a single occurrence of BSE and the hardship the continued closure of the U.S. border is causing to thousands of farm families. Premiers noted that at their most recent meeting, Western Governors expressed their support for cooperative Canada/U.S. measures.

Premiers called upon the federal government to respond to the cattle inventory and financial situation, which will become critical if the border remains closed. The federal government must work with provinces and industry to develop a sound strategic BSE recovery plan. The plan must address issues around a processing strategy, excessive supply, market anomalies and farm income pressures associated with extended border closures. The federal government must develop an enhanced incentive program if the border remains closed.

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For information:
Julia Mott
Communications Coordinator
(867) 669-2304