Response to Question~ September 23rd, 2003

Mr. Paul Steckle (Huron-Bruce, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for the question. I think it is a fair question.

Certainly, when we look at the partial opening of borders, the hon. Member understands quite clearly that this is simply cuts of meats under 30 months of age. It is boneless beef in most cases. It is boxed beef which is entering the United States under permits which are required by the Americans.

We have, as the minister has indicated today, something like 70 million or 80 million pounds or is it 70,000 or 80,000 tonnes that have gone? However, it is on the record today on the minister's statement how many tonnes have left the country, but there are in excess of 170 permits which have been applied for. We are moving rather quickly, given that we started off with only three or four, and we have moved to that number in such a short time.

In an earlier conversation with the member I believe we discussed the matter of sheep, goats and those kinds of things. The same thing applies to those animals as well. We have another industry that is also hurting and we hope that only the result can be fully appreciated once we see the opening of borders to live cattle, sheep and goats.