GUELPH and TORONTO– Liberal Agriculture and Agri-Food critic Frank Valeriote condemned plans by the Conservative government to cut hundreds of inspectors from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and reduce the agency’s funding by millions.
“The Conservative government is not only cutting 234 full-time CFIA food safety jobs, but $21.5 million from the food inspection budget,” said Mr. Valeriote. “There is something really concerning about a government that thinks food safety is only a temporary responsibility.”
A footnote in the CFIA’s annual planning report explains that the reductions stem from the short-term nature of the response to the 2008 listeriosis crisis, which killed 23 Canadians and resulted in hundreds more becoming seriously ill.
“Protecting the Canadian food supply and keeping Canadians safe from food-borne illnesses requires constant vigilance,” said Liberal Health critic, Dr. Hedy Fry. “The listeriosis crisis was a wake-up call and it is irresponsible of the Conservative government to risk the health of Canadians by making these reckless cuts. It is worth remembering that John Baird, Tony Clement and Jim Flaherty – all trusted ministers in Mr. Harper’s cabinet – presided over the cuts to Ontario public health during the Harris government that resulted in the Walkerton Tragedy.”
In 2010, US regulators warned Canadian officials that the number of inspectors and inspections of food processing plants had to increase if Canadian food exports to the US were to continue. The aforementioned CFIA cuts and the additional 10% cut stemming from the Conservative’s strategic and operating review send the wrong message to a key trading partner, as well as domestic consumers, about the safety of Canadian food products.
“The Conservatives cannot speak about accepting the recommendations of the Weatherill Report, pat themselves on the back for appointing 170 new inspectors and then, while no one is looking, cut staff and funding,” said Mr. Valeriote. “Minister Gerry Ritz must act responsibly and inform Canadians how many inspectors will be cut, what reductions will occur to the frequency of inspection of food processing facilities and what plans are in place for a future, food-borne crisis.”
