NEWS RELEASE

February 20, 2001                                                                                                           For Immediate Release 

GOVERNMENT CONDEMNED FOR RISKING JOBS OVER UNNECESSARY BLOCKADE
"The government's political games could affect thousands of people in Yorkton - Melville"

Ottawa: The federal government's suspect trade action against Brazilian beef imports and its impact on the constituents of Yorkton - Melville was the focus of a statement delivered by Garry Breitkreuz, MP in the House of Commons on Monday. "This government has to realize that its trade actions are more than just political games. They impact the lives of many Canadians. It is irresponsible for this government to take trade action without looking at all aspects of their decisions, including the impact on the citizens of this country," stated Breitkreuz.

Reports stated the decision to ban the import of Brazilian beef products was made by Health Canada management without consulting the scientists who study beef. The legitimacy of this trade action combined with its impact on the constituents of Yorkton - Melville caused Breitkreuz to deliver the following statement:

Mr. Garry Breitkreuz (Yorkton-Melville, Canadian Alliance): Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the Liberal government actually understands the impact of the decisions it makes. The recent decision to ban the import of Brazilian beef has caused Brazil to retaliate by putting restrictions on a number of Canadian products, including potash, which is one of the biggest industries in my constituency. 

IMC Kalium, in my riding, is concerned it could lose millions of dollars in contracts which could force it to reduce operations or even shut down. 

This would ultimately put the 1,000 people in my constituency, who work at the mine, out of work. If that happens, families in the communities of Esterhazy, Churchbridge, Langenburg and many more will be feeling the impact of this suspect trade action. Businesses in these communities will also suffer as these families will have less money to buy goods and services. There are even a number of farmers who depend on the jobs at this mine to put food on the table. 

Did the government not foresee that its action would trigger a trade war? The government's own scientists have even questioned the validity of this trade action. To put families at risk for political posturing is unacceptable and the government will be to blame if these allegations are unfounded. 

"There is no question that we must protect Canada's food supply, but these decisions must be made on scientific fact. We must not allow this government to jeopardize the lives of thousands of Canadians, put our trading relationships at risk and threaten the independence of our food safety system for their own political games. This government will be held responsible if their trade action is not warranted," concluded Breitkreuz.

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For more information please contact:
Yorkton: (306) 782-3309
Ottawa: (613) 992-4393