Statement by Ministers Day and Ritz on Human Swine Influenza

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Apr 29 (MARKET WIRE) --
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.

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of International Trade
and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
Melisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
613-992-6186

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Trade Media Relations Office
613-996-2000
www.internationaltrade.gc.ca

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Media Relations
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972

Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
613-759-1059

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