News release
MINISTER PLEASED WITH U.S. PROGRESS ON LIVE CATTLE ISSUE
OTTAWA, Oct. 31, 2003 - New developments in the United States have put Canada one step closer to moving live cattle across the border and are - according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief - a sign that efforts on the file are paying off.
The United States Department of Agriculture today published a proposed rule aimed at ending the ban on imports of Canadian cattle under 30 months old. It proposes to create a new U.S. category for low-incidence countries, like Canada, that have had effective Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) safeguards in place prior to detection, and that have adopted additional measures based on risk analysis. It also outlines proposed protocols for the resumption of imports of certain live ruminants and ruminant products and byproducts from Canada.
"This is good news," said Mr. Vanclief. "It is a key step towards further opening the border and demonstrates forward momentum. That said, we are not out of the woods yet and I remain committed to working closely with U.S. officials to ensure the process moves as quickly as possible."
Once the rule is published interested parties have 60 days to make submissions in support of it or raise concerns. This is followed by a review of submissions, after which the U.S. could make the decision to reopen the border to live cattle from Canada.
"At this point, it is difficult to predict when the U.S. border will be reopened to live cattle but I am optimistic the ban will be lifted soon after the comment period," said Mr. Vanclief. "The U.S. moved quickly to reopen the border to boneless Canadian beef, demonstrating leadership and consideration of sound science."
Mr. Vanclief noted Canada is the first country in the world with a case of BSE to get its products back into the United States. He stressed the significance of reaching this goal only 100 days after the single case of BSE was discovered in Alberta.
"Progress to date is a product of relationships with U.S. officials at every level," said Mr. Vanclief. The Minister stressed the integration of the North American cattle market has been crucial to success on both sides of the border and that there is a need to continue working together. He concluded by stressing he is committed to getting the U.S. border fully open to all affected Canadian livestock and livestock products.
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For more information, media may contact:
| Donald Boulanger Press Secretary Minister Vanclief's office Ottawa (613) 759-1761 |
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Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa (613) 759-7972 |
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