Statement on BSE crisis~ September 23rd, 2003

Mr. Paul Steckle (Huron-Bruce, Lib.): In the past three months our beef industry has forever been changed. Canadian farmers are hurting more than most of us can appreciate. We are all hearing stories of farm notes being called and other similar instances of economic anguish. It is primarily for this reason that I am prepared to support this motion today.

I do not believe it is fair to say that the government does not understand the urgency of the problem. As the BSE crisis was unfolding, members of the committee were on regular conference calls with the minister and with the departmental and CFIA officials. This was required almost daily as the situation was developing and changing so rapidly. Every attempt was being made to keep members engaged and involved in departmental actions. I should point out that this was being done regardless of political affiliation.

I must say to my committee colleagues and those with whom I worked on this issue, that they have been most indulgent in the experience that we have had together in trying to resolve this issue and I thank them for it. Moreover, the ag committee met three times over the summer, which we called and considered emergency meetings. Never in my 10 years of political life have I been involved in emergency meetings on any issue. During this time the witnesses, representatives of the industry and without exception, all cylinders of the government were firing in an effort to open the US border to our beef.

Today I heard the member for Cumberland-Colchester invite government MPs to join the fight for the Canadian farmer. By way of reply to that member I must say that I would suggest that we are already there. As Chair of the standing committee, I felt from the beginning of this crisis that all parties have been working cooperatively together in an effort to put this behind us as quickly as possible. Had we followed the normal protocol, we would probably be looking at seven years to resolve this issue. That will not be the case, as we have already seen with partial border openings.

Accordingly, I am completely supportive of the motion before us today. I could not imagine that anyone would be against it in principle. The Prime Minister, as the leader of Canada and as our leader, should continue to pursue all avenues to resolve this situation.

In Canada we know that our beef is safe. The science is complete and conclusive. In fact our beef is more than safe; it is the best in the world. If a meeting among our Prime Minister, The US president and perhaps even the Japanese prime minister would help to demonstrate that fact to foreign diplomats, I am fully prepared to support it. I trust that my colleagues and others in the House will do the same.