The federal government has announced a $3.1 million expansion of the Agriculture Canada research station at Lacombe, Alta.
It is the second phase of expansion of the meat research laboratory. The 1,500 sq. metre extension will double the size of the lab.
Lacombe has the mandate to be the sole Canadian site of federal research into such meat industry issues as reducing fat content in red meat carcasses and safety and storage of red meat products.
The Lacombe expansion by Edmonton-based Pentagon Structures Ltd. will employ 30 workers until the job is finished at the end of October.
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Sudden interest
Alberta Reform MP Myron Thompson was prowling government halls recently, trying to get an explanation for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s sudden interest in some British food product imports.
He said he was not having much luck, despite meetings with revenue minister Herb Dhaliwal and agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief.
“I’m just not getting answers yet,” said the Wild Rose MP.
Three weeks ago, food inspectors seized products from several British import specialty stores, including The British Market Place in Thompson’s riding.
The inspectors said the goods had not been legally imported. Some of them contained beef, which raised a question about mad cow disease.
Thompson insists that is not true and his constituents have been badly treated.
“They followed the rules,” he said. “I think they are owed an apology. And when you go and confiscate goods, I’m not so sure that compensation isn’t called for.”
Thompson said he will continue his Ottawa lobbying. “And if I don’t get some satisfaction, I’ll bring it into the House of Commons if I have to.”
The owner of the British Market Place has hired a lawyer to fight the government action.
