OKOTOKS, Alta. Ñ While government money continues to flow to the cattle industry for BSE recovery, other ruminant groups feel forgotten.
The recent $50 million contribution for beef market development has been frustrating for the other livestock groups that have received little government attention.
“It’s just a very frustrating process for us, and not just for us, but for all the other ruminants that have gotten lost in this crisis,” said Jennifer Fleming of the Canadian Sheep Federation.
Last fall, a federal-provincial government program offering a 60-40 funding split was announced to provide direct cash to producers of other ruminant species like sheep, goats, deer and elk, but many are still waiting for their cheques.
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Five provinces have come through with direct producer payments while the rest are still waiting.
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia went ahead and provided the 40 percent. Each province set different requirements to receive the money, but at least the provincial cheques are going out.
“We’re left in a state of complete limbo,” with the federal government not processing its aid, said Fleming.
Last fall, the sheep federation laid out five points to the federal government for the industry to stay viable as borders remain closed. Two of the points included market development and increased slaughter capacity similar to the beef proposal.
So far it has not heard a response despite daily requests for a meeting with federal agriculture minister Andy Mitchell. They were told he was not available until April.
“It’s not like we’re getting a no, we’re getting a nothing. We haven’t anything,” she said.
Goat producers are equally frustrated and Canadian National Goat Federation chair Stan Johnston fears the government will not come through on its promises.
“They have been dragging their feet,” he said.
Goat producers were to receive $12 per animal based on a percentage of breeding animals, while the provincial share was $8. Alberta increased the share to $16. The problem is getting the money from the federal government.
Agriculture Canada told the goat federation the money is still coming but it is waiting for all the affected groups to submit claims so an entire package can be presented to cabinet for approval.
