For immediate release:
February 22, 2006

Scott, Barrett to Dombrowsky: IS THE EXTENSION
OF DEADSTOCK FUNDING DEAD IN THE WATER??

Queens Park – “Minister, two dead colts were found on the side of the road west of me – Is this the future of deadstock under your government.” - Barrett

MPP Barrett joined MPP Laurie Scott today in the Legislature to question the government’s lack of action on a looming deadstock crisis in Ontario.

Opposition Environment Critic Scott opened up the questioning of Minister of Agriculture Dombrowsky by outlining the current situation faced by farmers seeking deadstock disposal.

“You know that the BSE border closing has eliminated the export market for deadstock removal operators – you know that deadstock pickup charges to farmers have already doubled,” Scott pointed out. “Carcasses are already being pulled out of rivers and ditches – a situation that as our agriculture critic will tell you is about to get worse.”

Barrett picked up the theme in a supplementary to the Minister.

“Minister, as you know, the extension of transitional funding for deadstock appears to be dead in the water under your watch,” charged Barrett.

Companies say they’ll be forced to shut down if provincial dollars disappear – leaving deadstock on farms and jacking up the risk of mad cow disease and water contamination.”

“Minister will you extend the financial support required to sustain the deadstock industry?”

The Minister failed to commit to the extension of funding to deal with the impending crisis.

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629 or MPP Laurie Scott, Haliburton-Victoria-Brock (416) 325-2008, (705) 324-6654