A new private members bill is getting a warm reception from several farm groups across the country.
Alberta Tory MP David Bexte introduced bill C-273 last week, which aimed to speed up approvals for farm inputs and veterinary products already approved in trusted countries like the US. The bill would give products like feed, seed, fertilizer, pesticides and even vet drugs provisional approval within 90 days. Grain growers, wheat growers, and Fertilizer Canada says the bill would finally cut red tape that leaves Canadian farmers waiting sometimes years for access to the same tools their competitors are already using safely.
Veterinary drugs are also a big focus, as was pointed out month ago by Dr. Tracy Fisher, the president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. “First and foremost is a severe decline in the availability of many classes of medications, such as antibiotics, sedatives, and other animal health products, such as vaccines. For example, there is now a shortage of approved anti-microbial drugs for livestock. When veterinarians cannot access effective medications, food safety, food security, and animal welfare are all compromised. It can also contribute to anti-microbial resistance as veterinarians are forced to rely on older, less effective treatments.”
As a private members bill, 273 faces a rough ride. In order to make it to the senate, it will need the support of all opposition members and even some Liberal MPs. So far, it hasn’t made it to second reading in the house.
-With Files From Dean Thorpe-
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