For immediate release:
Sept 14, 2004

Ontario quiet on help for cattlemen: Barrett

Woodstock – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett is calling on the Ontario Government to step up to the plate following the recent federal funding announcement of $488 million to support Canada’s livestock industry.

Barrett commented during a visit to the Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, where he and PC Agriculture Critic – and Oxford MPP – Ernie Hardeman spoke with a number of concerned farmers.

“Given the Federal announcement of close to half a billion dollars, and given Alberta’s immediate response in announcing close to a quarter billion in new BSE funds, clearly the ball is now in Ontario’s court,” said Barrett. “It is incumbent on the Ontario government to step-up forthwith and help bolster a three-pronged BSE strategy aimed at reopening the U.S. border, increasing slaughter capacity, and expanding export market access for beef, both on-the-hoof or in-the-box.”

When asked at the Farm Show about further Ontario funding for cattlemen, Agriculture Minister Steve Peters was unable to provide a direct answer as to when, or if, beef farmers could expect provincial dollars to flow.

Barrett advocates a crisis management team, not only for beef, but for other commodities threatened by events/pressures beyond their control.

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