Gerry Ritz’s cuts to food safety – just the facts

Conservatives continue to stand in the House and launch baffling, fact-free attacks at the NDP over the E Coli beef crisis, while claiming they never cut funding or staff from CFIA.

Unfortunately for the Conservatives, the CFIA Reports on Plans and Priorities – signed and tabled by the Minister of Agriculture himself on May 8th – says exactly the opposite.

“Planned Spending is declining by approximately $46.6 million and 314 FTE’s from 2012–13 to 2014–15.”
–1.5.1 Financial Resources and Human Resources CFIA Reports on Plans and Priorities

When consumers lose confidence, it’s the industry that pays the price. According to experts, the BSE crisis cost the industry over $5.5 billion.

Instead of misleading Canadians and attacking the Official Opposition, Conservatives should start listening to worried families, take this crisis seriously and help mitigate the impact on ranchers and Canada’s beef industry.