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June 12, 2006
Agriculture Industry CFIA Inspections |
| Question Period |
Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Minnedosa):
Mr. Speaker, a Westman feed processor is experiencing ongoing difficulties with the federal inspector for this region. There has been a long-running dispute over the quality and thoroughness of the inspections conducted by CFIA representatives, and it is impeding his business operations. Several months ago, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture agreed to mediate this dispute. Can the Minister of Agriculture indicate whether a meeting has been scheduled with my constituent?
Hon. Rosann Wowchuk (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives):
Mr. Speaker, I will inquire of my deputy minister, and I will return to the House with information.
Mrs. Rowat:
Mr. Speaker, as of 1:15 today, my constituent has not heard from this minister's office. He is growing very concerned about the status of his facility and whether the quality of inspections will improve. Will the minister commit to ensuring this issue is resolved immediately?
Ms. Wowchuk:
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, CFIA is a federal body, it is not a provincial body. But, certainly, if the member will share with me the name of the individual, I would be very happy to inquire on his behalf.
Mrs. Rowat:
This minister is obviously having difficulty in responding to the challenges current slaughter facilities have in Manitoba, Mr. Speaker. Her focus and energy appear to be on how to tax the cattle producers in Manitoba. Perhaps there is simply no money to be made by actively supporting those already in business. This minister should be ashamed. Mr. Speaker, why is it so difficult for this minister to work with existing processors?
Ms. Wowchuk:
Well, Mr. Speaker, in fact, it is not difficult at all to work with existing processors. We have put in place programs. We have put in place funding, money for people who want to expand their facilities so they can do their feasibility studies. There is money, if they are going to expand their facility, where we will cover a portion of their costs. I am very committed to increasing slaughter capacity in this province. That is why we have programs to work with existing slaughter facilities, and I would encourage the member to talk to her constituents and tell them to apply to the fund, to the Enhancement Council, so maybe they will qualify to have equity on behalf of producers in their facility as well. |
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