Pork Producers - April 29, 2009

Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we have all heard about influenza disease that is spreading around the world. However, what is of concern for my constituents is the risk to our pork producers based on unfounded trade barriers.

Would the Minister of Agriculture tell the House what the government is doing to protect our pork producers?

Hon. Gerry Ritz (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Brandon—Souris for the great job he is doing for the pork producers in his riding and, of course, all of Canada.

Trade must be based on science. Our pork is safe. My colleague, the Minister of International Trade, and I continue to work on a science-based regime with our trading partners around the world to keep our trade flows, our trade alleys open. We are proud to do that job on behalf of the great pork producers in this country.