Ag in the House: Sept. 22 – 26

A Conservative MP asked about the possible ostrich cull on a B.C. farm

A Conservative MP wanted answers about an ag issue in B.C. during last week’s question period.

On Sept. 24, Mel Arnold, the Conservative MP for Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies, asked the government to provide clarity on the situation regarding a possible cull of 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm in B.C. because of avian flu.

“When it comes animal safety, Canadians expect due diligence and transparency. They are looking to the government to explain why the cull is necessary, but the Liberal government has not posted a public update in over a month,” he said. “Canadians want to know this: why did the Liberal ministers did not work with the agriculture sector to resolve the issue?”

Health Minister Marjorie Michel provided the response.

She told the House she’s working with Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald on the issue and is respecting the ongoing legal process.

“The case is now before the (Supreme) court, so I will not comment more,” she said.

Multiple questions also arose about the government’s announced changes to Canada Post.

On Sept. 25, Joël Lightbound, the minister responsible for Canada Post, announced a suite of measures to help the Crown corporation survive.

This included lifting a moratorium on rural post office closures, and converting 4 million addresses, some in rural communities, to community mailboxes.

That day in question period, Christine Normandin, the Bloc MP for Saint-Jean, said closing rural post offices “will set us back 30 years,” adding that people in remote areas rely on Canada Post.

Minister Lightbound committed to keeping Canada Post mail services in those communities.

“We will ensure that all Quebeckers and all Canadians living in rural and remote regions and indigenous communities have access to Canada Post services. That is a priority for our government,” he said.