For immediate release:
March 18, 2005

Beef legacy fund needs Ontario help - MPP Barrett

Simcoe – It is again time for Ontario to pick up its share of the tab for BSE assistance according to MPP Toby Barrett, following contributions from the Federal and Alberta Governments to the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Legacy Fund.

The Canadian Government has announced $50 million for the fund aimed at launching an aggressive international marketing blitz to boost exports and attract new importers for Canadian beef – the funding was in addition to a $37 million contribution made by the Alberta government.

“In the wake of the unfortunate decisions by a Montana Judge and the U-S senate to block the scheduled U.S. border re-opening for live cattle, we all must step up efforts to help our farmers increase market areas that will accept our beef,” said Barrett. “Given the Ottawa and Alberta funding announcements, the ball is now in Ontario’s court.”

Barrett stressed that increased marketing is only part of the long-term solution, while Ontario beef producers struggle in the shadow of the American beef ban.

“Given the recent setbacks, government at all levels must redouble efforts aimed at reopening the U.S. border, while increasing slaughter capacity and supporting the Legacy Fund export market expansion initiative,” Barrett pointed out. “Finally, governments must find a way to get support to those who are hurting most – the farmer.”

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For more information contact:
MPP Toby Barrett 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629