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BEEF AND CATTLE PRODUCERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY

OTTAWA, March 31, 2005 - The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Andy Mitchell, today announced the creation of a Beef and Cattle Producers Advisory Committee to the CFIA (BPAC).

The Advisory Committee is intended to provide advice to the President and key executives of the CFIA on matters pertaining to regulatory policy, standards and inspection matters related to animal health, food safety, communications, and trade-related functions and priorities impacting the Canadian beef and cattle production sector.

“It is clear that as industry moves forward to reprofile itself, new processes and interfaces must be developed. The creation of this Advisory Committee will provide a vehicle for an open exchange of ideas and information between senior representatives of industry and the federal government on the regulatory aspects related to the beef and cattle sector,” said Minister Mitchell.

The BPAC will be comprised of senior representatives from beef and cattle stakeholder organizations, including the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canada Beef Export Federation, Canadian Beef Breeds Council and the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, along with senior officials from the CFIA and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Health Canada and International Trade Canada will also participate in the Advisory Committee discussions as appropriate.

The creation of this committee is a special measure intended to address the unique circumstances facing the Canadian beef and cattle industry as a result of BSE and the continued closure of the U.S. border to Canadian cattle. It supplements announcements made earlier this week related to federal assistance for producers.

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For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: (613) 228-6682

Elizabeth Whiting
Minister’s Office: (613) 759-1761

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