Ottawa-Ed Komarnicki, MP, today said President Bush’s visit to Canada is a positive step in resolving current trade disputes between the two countries, and in particular, the trade of live cattle.

“There is no doubt in my mind that a closer relation could help resolve some of the ongoing disputes between our two countries,” said Komarnicki.

The Canada/U.S. border has been closed to the shipment of live cattle for over 18 months now. Today, in a news conference, President Bush said he was well aware of the problem, and that it was affecting our cattle producers. The President reiterated his discussion with the Prime Minister that he informed his bureaucrats in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget that the regulations needed to allow the trade of our live cattle ought to be expedited as quickly as possible.

“I am pleased that President Bush has publicly acknowledged his support to getting the border re-opened to Canadian beef and I will remain cautiously optimistic until this situation is resolved,” said Komarnicki. “Our cattle producers have had their hopes raised in the past by rumours of the border opening up, only to be disappointed. However, it is encouraging that the President is making his remarks while here on his visit to Canada.”

“The Conservative Party’s support and good relationship with the U.S. is well-known,” said Komarnicki. “I am pleased that Mr. Harper was able to meet privately with the President to highlight the Official Opposition’s position on various matters, including trade.”