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NDP critic responds on meat industry problems

The recent letter (Changes to meat inspection needed, Oct. 15, 2012) from Ms. Wood praising Donna Barnett for her advocacy ...

Editor:

The recent letter (Changes to meat inspection needed, Oct. 15, 2012) from Ms. Wood praising Donna Barnett for her advocacy on improvements to the meat regulation left out an important point: small B.C. meat producers wouldn’t be in the position they are today if Barnett and her Liberal government hadn’t botched the regulation to begin with.

Now, eight years after the Liberals banned farm gate meat sales, which led to many producers having to cease operations in the Cariboo Chilcotin and other parts of B.C., suddenly the latest agriculture minister says he wants to find a way to fix things.

Funny that this interest has only come up now in the months leading up to what will prove to be a very challenging election for Barnett and the Liberals.

The Liberals have demonstrated their commitment to small farmers and to rural B.C., and their record speaks for itself.

Closed slaughter facilities, failed attempts to open others because the cost of the regulation is too high, and reduced consumer choice for British Columbians.

B.C.’s New Democrats are ready to stand with B.C. farmers and consumers and implement smart policies that will strengthen local agriculture producers.

Sincerely,

Lana Popham

BC NDP Agriculture Critic