HANSARD

May 5, 2010

Abattoirs Question

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: My question is to the Minister of Agriculture. Minister, "Small Abattoirs an Endangered Species": That's the headline in the Regional Country News. The Owen Sound Sun Times says, "Small Butchers on Chopping Block." The Toronto Star says, "Closures would be a blow to the local food movement."

Minister, that's the situation in rural Ontario. If you care so much about local food and food safety, why, according to your estimates, are you spending $4.3 million less this year to help small abattoirs reach those regulations that you imposed upon them?