'Clearly targets the livestock industry': Alberta's beef with federal pandemic bill
CTV
Alberta's government and meat producers worry a bill about preventing and preparing for future pandemics could be harmful to the agriculture industry.
Alberta's government and meat producers worry a bill about preventing and preparing for future pandemics could be harmful to the agriculture industry.
"While we support the overall objective of Bill C-293, we have significant concerns in its current form," said Doug Roxburgh, Alberta Beef Producers vice-chair.
"Bill C-293 clearly targets the livestock industry," said Sandra Spruit, Alberta Pork board member.
Bill C-293 is a private member's bill about pandemic prevention and preparedness, but some worry it targets farmers and ranchers and think it might suggest phasing out the livestock and meat sector.
"These proposed changes could devastate the ag industry and gave huge negative consequences on producers, processors and our entire provincial economy," said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
"There are no clear objectives. The language in this is extremely dangerous."
The bill talks about:
