Statement by Ministers Day and Ritz on Human Swine Influenza
April 29, 2009
No. 115
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the
Asia-Pacific Gateway, and the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and
Agri-Food, today issued the following statement on human swine influenza and the
measures being taken by Canada to safeguard the health of Canadians and the
Canadian pork industry:
“Canadians are concerned about recent cases of the human swine influenza (H1N1)
and the related public health concerns. All levels of government are working together to
protect the health of families in Canada and around the world.
“The Government of Canada is confident that Canadian pork is safe. We want to
reassure Canadians that human swine influenza cannot be contracted through eating
pork or pork products. Health authorities, including the World Organisation for Animal
Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, are unanimous
on this point.
“At the same time, the Government of Canada always ensures the safety of Canada’s
food supply and the health of its animals. Federal, provincial and private sector
veterinarians are working closely with producers to protect the health of our pork
industry.
“Surveillance for swine influenza in pigs in Canada occurs on an ongoing basis across
the country. As an added precaution, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the
provincial and territorial authorities are working with producers and veterinarians to
ensure the highest levels of biosecurity and to enhance monitoring activities.
Consumers and trading partners can rest assured that the Canadian animal health and
food safety systems remain among the best in the world.
“We know this is a difficult situation for Canadian pork producers, but they can be
confident that the government will stand with them and give them the support they
need.
“Some countries have imposed a ban on North American pork and swine (live hog)
products, without scientifically justifiable evidence to support their actions. We urge
these countries to base their decisions on sound science. Now is the time to work
together as nations to control this outbreak. This should be our priority.
“In the meantime, Canada’s missions abroad are providing information to trade partners
and importers highlighting the safety of Canadian pork and swine products. In countries
where an import ban is being considered or has been imposed, we are talking to the
key agencies and officials to help them make an informed decision and recognize that
Canadian pork is safe.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with all our partners to
ensure the safety of Canadians and Canadian exports.”
In 2008, total Canadian pork exports were valued at $2.7 billion, including nearly
$527 million worth of Canadian live swine exports.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
www.internationaltrade.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-759-1059
