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Macleod MP urges Chretien to get involved in Mad cow disease
By
Editor
A personal plea from the Prime Minister could be enough to open the American borders to Canadian beef, says Canadian Alliance MP Dr. Grant Hill.
Hill, who hosted a Canadian Alliance rally east of Okotoks last Friday, said the ban on Canadian beef exports is as much political as it is scientific.
'There is a political component to everything,' said Hill. 'To get this rolling the Prime Minister should make some overture to the President (of the United States), some kind of personal approach.'
Many countries around the world put a ban on Canadian beef after a case of mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was discovered in one Alberta cow in May.
Since then more than 2,700 head of cattle have been slaughtered and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has yet to find another case of BSE.
The ban on Alberta beef has lasted since the middle of May and it is predicted the ban costs the beef industry $11 million per day.
Many Alberta ranchers believe the ban on their beef has been dragged out as a result of ill feelings between President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Jean Chretien due to Canada's refusal to support the United States' invasion of Iraq.
In addition, Quebec MPs were quoted as calling the American government 'bastards' and 'morons' after they commented they were disappointed the Canadian federal government elected to withhold its support.
Asked to comment on whether or not the name-calling by Liberal MPs has had an impact on the ban on Alberta beef, Hill abstained.
'We (the Canadian Alliance) have tried really hard to be partisan on this issue,' said Hill, but he added with a smile. 'The science is there and it seems a political issue has gotten in the way of my constituents.'
While Hill refused to enter the mud-slinging fray, Canadian Alliance leader Stephen Harper was not as hesitant.
Harper, who attended Friday's rally, was obviously upset with the continued ban on Alberta beef — a ban he believes is purely political.
'I hate to say that I am not surprised the ban has lasted this long, but this is what happens when you deliberately initiate bad relations with the United States,' explained Harper. 'What do you expect when you call them morons and bastards.
'The federal government has to learn that the United States is not only our best friend and ally, but our best customer,' he continued. 'It is unfortunate that Alberta farmers and ranchers are the ones who are affected.'
Hill has been inundated with calls from foothills residents wanting to know the latest news of the ban.
The Macleod MP said he is impressed with the fortitude of the Alberta ranchers, but he said things are reaching a breaking point.
'This industry has had its hardships and it has survived, but this is as bad as it's ever been,' said Hill. 'People want to know what is happening and understand why it is taking so long (to lift the ban).'
Outta my way
A group of girls head for the finish line during the eight and nine-year-old girls' sack race at the Millarville Races on Canada Day.
- photo by John Barlow
RCMP are treating cabin fire as arson
By
Editor
Turner Valley RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire at a cabin east of Black Diamond that occurred on June 27.
Members of the Black Diamond and Okotoks fire departments responded to the fire on Friday evening and were able to save the building.
However, during the investigation after the fire, Black Diamond fire chief Jamie Campbell said there were some irregularities which sparked the RCMP investigation.
'Through the process of the investigation some things came to light that this fire did not start on its own,' said Campbell. 'I cannot confirm anything yet.'
Sgt. Tyler Bray of the Turner Valley RCMP Detachment confirmed that the fire is under investigation by the RCMP.
'It appears the fire was deliberately set,' said Bray. 'We are treating this as a suspicious fire.'
The fire occurred in a cabin approximately one-and-a-half miles east of Black Diamond.
The cabin was occupied, but there were no injuries.
Quick response from the local fire departments enabled the firefighters to save the home with minimal damage.
Firefighters had to remove a portion of the roof to reach some of the hot spots, but Campbell said they were able to have the fire under control quickly.
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