Agriculture Canada sends out periodic press releases, usually proclaiming the good work of Agriculture Minister Gerry “Puttin’ on the” Ritz’s office in assisting “farmers.” I’ve decided to take it upon myself to present some of the statements made by Minister Ritz’ office and decipher them because they can’t be taken at face value. In this segment I’ll reprint most of the press release, and provide commentary, or the “straight dope” on what the press releases really mean for agriculture in Canada. Let’s take a look at the meat, so to speak, from the following press release:
STATEMENT BY MINISTER RITZ REGARDING THE IMPACT OF H1N1 INFLUENZA A
ON CANADIA PORK PRODUCERS
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 4, 2009 – Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today issued the following statement regarding the impact of the H1N1 Influenza A on Canadian pork producers.
“Once again I want to restate that Canadian pork is safe. The international scientific community, including the OIE and WHO, agree that H1N1 Influenza A is not a food safety issue. We will continue to reassure Canadian consumers and our international trading partners that Canadian pork is safe.
Swine flu won’t make you sick if you cook it right, according to scientists. Scientists haven’t exactly said Canadian pork is safe–just safe, if cooked properly–from giving consumers the Swine flu that originated in Mexico. Therefore, the worries of Canadians about the safety of our meat products are silly. As such, the Canadian government has decided to cut out the middle man and lobby internationally for the pork industry directly. The Canadian Pork Council doesn’t even have to pay us for this service. Directly, at least.
“The Government of Canada continues to work closely with Canadian hog producers as they deal with the impact of H1N1 Influenza A.
The Government of Canada is good buddies with large corporate hog producers. It pains us to see our friends maimed so unjustly.
“I have also spoken to China’s ambassador, Lan Lijun, to reiterate that Canadian pork is safe. I strongly encouraged Ambassador Lan Lijun to ensure than China bases trade decisions on sound science.
I told the Chinese what is good for them, being the expert in public health that I am.
“We will continue to stand up for Canadian pork producers and ensure that they are treated fairly by China and all members of the World Trade Organization.
I don’t care if they are sovereign countries. We need to export piggies.
“I have spoken to American Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to make our American neighbours aware of the situation. He has assured me that Canadian hog producers will continue to have access to the American market. We will continue to work with our American partners as we deal with this issue.
Big brother has assured me that they aren’t scared of our pigs. It’s probably due to the fact that the Americans are running the same unjust, unhealthy food production system and would have to ban their own pork. Smithfield Farms, after all, is an American company, and one of their factories in Mexico is suspected as the source of Swine flu.
“We are encouraging Canadian families to support struggling hog producers by picking up some pork next time they go to the grocery store.
Make sure these corporate multinationals and so-called “farmers” don’t get left out. Buy some pork. Disregard the fact that we’ve never encouraged Canadians to buy other Canadian made goods to protect those industries. Or the Wheat Board. That would violate our motto of free trade, after all.
“The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian pork producers to make sure they have the support they need.”
We will bend over backwards to ensure that a few large players continue to profit at the expence of ecology, community and human health. We are on the ready to defend this food system at all costs, despite the fact that it isn’t working.
Photo of the Honourable Minister courtesy Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada Media Relations.
