November 14, 2007
Golden Star
The meat of the matter
In the media over the last number of weeks, people have heard stories of a number of local meat producers who may be forced out of business by new government regulations. These regulations may work for big business in the Lower Mainland but are absolutely devastating for ranchers and farmers in this area. For two years, the Campbell government has been reworking meat inspection regulations, and for two years local meat producers have been saying that their businesses could be wiped out with a stroke of the agriculture minister’s pen.
These new regulations are designed for large industrial food producers. No consideration has been given to how these regulations will impact rural areas. This is a WalMart approach applied to the mom and pop store.
Local meat producers have been clear that this will not work for them. Small operators have put forward workable solutions that will address both their needs and the requirements of government, but the government has been completely indifferent.
This situation is just one example of why 13 rural MLAs have formed an Opposition Rural Caucus. It is important that rural residents have a strong voice on the issues that most affect them.
The Opposition Rural Caucus is determined to force the government to get these regulations right and we will stand down when rural farmers and ranchers feel their concerns have been addressed.
Norm Macdonald,
MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke