For immediate release:
November 10, 2009

Don’t let government shut you out of Animal Health Act

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is encouraging farmers and others potentially impacted by government’s Bill-204, Animal Health Act, to make their voices heard.

Despite the fact that Government has introduced a time allocation motion to choke off debate on the legislation, and limit committee hearings for public input to just four hours in Toronto November 25th, Barrett points out that the barn door is not completely closed yet.

“Clearly, the McGuinty government is attempting to shut down any dissenting viewpoints,” Barrett stated. “But there is still an opportunity – albeit short, and removed from rural Ontario – to have government members receive input.”

While Barrett says he joins his caucus members, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and the Ontario Cattlemen is supporting the principle of the bill – to protect animal health and food safety – concerns remain about how the legislation is written. In particular, there is concern that compensation is at the Minister’s discretion; that the act allows for new licenses and fees; and that traceability is largely absent from this bill.

Details on applying to present to the committee considering Bill 204 will not be released until the time allocation motion is debated next week. Barrett advises those interested in testifying to contact his office for further information and full details as soon as they are available.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629