Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says it is time for border blockades across the country to end, contending they are affecting the safe movement of livestock, feed and goods and hurting farmers.
“While we respect the rights of all Canadians to protest, the unlawful occupation of major border crossings must end,” Bibeau said in a statement Monday, following a meeting with representatives of the Canadian meat industry.
Later on Monday evening, the federal government officially invoked Emergencies Act, which will give Ottawa temporary powers to handle ongoing blockades and protests against pandemic restrictions.
“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,” Bibeau 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.”
A joint statement released by a number of Canadian livestock and food organizations on Friday also called for an end to the blockades, noting the transport of fruits and vegetables, meat, food packaging, feed supplies, livestock shipments, transport equipment, and integral inputs for agriculture and food processing have already been seriously impacted.
“Governments must recognize the negative impact these recent blockades and convoys are having on Canada’s critical trade infrastructure, which includes the agriculture and agri-food sector, and take immediate actions to restore the supply chain,” said Mary Robinson, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture
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