Information

August 8, 2003

Statement by the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health

The decision by the U.S. Government to partially re-open the border to Canadian beef is a very important step forward and as Minister of Health, I congratulate the U.S. for basing their actions on science and recognizing that Canadian beef is safe.

While this is a very important step forward, we remain committed to working with the Canadian Cattlemen's Association and other stakeholders to ensure that the borders are open to all Canadian beef products as soon as posible.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, other industry stakeholders, our provincial partners, producers and the public.

As Minister of Health, I will continue to work with my colleagues, international counterparts and the beef industry to ensure that Canada's food supply continues to be one of the safest in the world.