Notice to media

MINISTER STRAHL TO TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON

OTTAWA, ON, April 19, 2006 - Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board Chuck Strahl announced today that he will be in Washington, D.C., on April 20, 2006, to meet with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.

Minister Strahl and Secretary Johanns will discuss a number of issues affecting the agricultural sectors in Canada and the United States, including World Trade Organization agriculture negotiations, bilateral trade issues and Avian Influenza preparedness, as well as the April 16 confirmation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a cow from British Columbia and the path forward.

"It's a pleasure to have this first opportunity to meet, face-to-face, with Secretary Johanns and strengthen the rewarding partnership between our two countries," said Minister Strahl. "Building opportunities for our agricultural sectors on both sides of the border is important for Canadian farmers, and is something I am committed to."

While in Washington, Minister Strahl will also meet with the American Meat Institute and Meat Processors, as well as the National Cattleman's Beef Association.

For more information, media may contact:

Jeff Howard
Press Secretary
Minister Strahl's Office
(613) 759-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972
1-866-345-7972