Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says the border blockades have disrupted the agricultural economy and are hurting farmers.
She issued a statement Feb. 14 after meeting with representatives from the meat industry to discuss the situation.
She said the blockades have affected the safe movement of live animals, feed and goods and are negatively affecting the food supply chain.
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“When I met with industry leaders, they told me that the blockade is having a significant impact on the livelihood of Canadian farm families and businesses who cannot sustain any more delays,” she said. “I also heard that shipments of animals are being delayed and cancelled, which is creating serious risks to animal welfare. We must ensure that animals, feed and ingredients can flow smoothly across the border. This is essential to support producers and protect the welfare of animals travelling between Canada and the U.S.”
The risk of perishable goods spoiling is heightened, she said, which could lead to food loss and waste, and added costs for everyone in the supply chain.
“Canadians should have confidence that our food supply is able to respond to demands and that our distribution system will continue to operate to meet the needs of Canadians,” Bibeau added.
The federal government invoked the Emergencies Act yesterday to help end the blockades and activities. Bibeau thanked the “vast majority of truckers who are on the job right now and have been doing the essential work of keeping our supply chains moving.”
“While we respect the rights of all Canadians to protest, the unlawful occupation of major border crossings must end. Our hardworking truckers are essential to the function of our agriculture and food supply chains and to the efficiency of our economy,” Bibeau said.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
