CE 1998 SIN
May 2003
President's Message By: Betty Green
Spring has arrived and with the change of season come new beginnings and revitalized energy for the coming year. The MCPA board has been busy with meetings to discuss many of the ongoing topics but with a new found energy due not only to the season change. We have now in place, Keith Robertson and Ian Thorleifson, our new Executive Director and Communications Coordinator. They have joined us, bringing new perspectives on the topics and industry expertise that has already garnered the confidence of directors. The optimism for our industry is evident and contagious. Keith and Ian have been busy introducing themselves to issues, producers, industry partners and government representatives. The Environment Committee has been developing a working relationship with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, emphasizing that DFO needs to do a better job of communicating with farmers, possibly with the help of some cattle producers who could act as mediators. The Cow Calf Committee has agreed to take on responsibilities for studying and responding to the initiatives that come from the Kyoto Agreement – Green Cover, Carbon Credits, and others. The Animal Health Committee is continuing their lobby for decisive action related to TB eradication and producer support in the Riding Mountain Eradication Area. On April 15th, a meeting with the Ministers of Agriculture and Food and Conservation was productive. Ministers Wowchuk and Ashton assured MCPA that they are lobbying for a resolution to this critical issue. Parks Canada has shown a willingness to test and destroy infected elk. We commend them on their new initiative and have lobbied for and support the continued culling of infected animals.