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AAFC
News Release MINISTERS
STRAHL AND EMERSON STATEMENT ON OTTAWA, Ontario - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decision to proceed with fees for agricultural quarantine inspections of fruit and vegetables grown in Canada. “Canada’s New Government is disappointed with the USDA’s decision to proceed today with implementation of the interim rule as it relates to land conveyances. We stand by our position that this rule should be withdrawn, as Canadian agricultural exports continue to be low risk. “Based on the efforts of the bilateral working group that was established to examine this issue, Canada has proposed an alternative approach to address any legitimate concerns identified in the U.S. rule. Our proposal was designed to enhance measures to effectively manage risks at their source instead of adding more costs and layers of control at the border. “The working group also developed a bilateral vision and work plan that reflects the reality that our two countries must work together if we are to effectively manage the plant health risks we increasingly face as neighbours. Implementation of fees represents a missed opportunity to address common risks through a collaborative, innovative approach. “The U.S. and Canada have a unique trading relationship which reflects the magnitude of our shared land border. The sheer volume, value and immediacy of our cross-border bilateral trade is a model unmatched by any other trading relationship in the world. “Canada’s New Government is prepared to re-engage in bilateral efforts to revisit this decision and establish a collaborative approach to border management, food safety, animal health and plant issues.” For information about Canada’s proposed alternative approach, see the note on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency web site at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/borfrae.shtml
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