News release

STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE ANDY MITCHELL, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD ON THE USDA APPEALING THE INJUNCTION AGAINST BORDER REOPENING

Ottawa, March 17, 2005 - We are pleased that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is appealing the March 2, 2005 injunction preventing the reopening of the border to Canadian live cattle, other ruminants and an expanded list of their products on March 7, 2005. The USDA continues to defend the minimal risk rule as the result of a transparent and science-based process that ensures human health, food safety and animal health are fully protected. We will continue to work with the USDA to resume trade in livestock products as quickly as possible. Canada and the United States have the same BSE risk status, and have the similar appropriate measures in place to protect human and animal health.

The interests of consumers, packers and processors on both sides of the border are served by reintegrating our markets to the fullest extent possible based on science - and the science indicates that the border should reopen.

Under U.S. law, Canada is not a party to this law suit. However, we intend to seek permission to file an amicus curiae brief ("friend of the court" - not a party to the case) that would allow us to set out the facts about Canada's system for protecting human health, food safety and animal health.

The Government of Canada will continue to support the Canadian livestock industry through this difficult time.

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For more information, media may contact:

Elizabeth Whiting
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
(613) 759-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
toll free: 1-866-345-7972

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