OWN USE PERMITS SUBJECT TO FAINT HOPE FOLLOWING MINISTER’S
RESPONSE TO KOMARNICKI IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

OTTAWA (October 7, 2005) - The best that the Government could do during an exchange between Ed Komarnicki and Wayne Easter, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture was to agree to look into the important issues raised by Komarnicki with respect to ‘Clearout 41’ a generic glyphosates and Ivermectin. Komarnicki challenged the Minister to extend the September 30th deadline with respect to Clearout 41.

“Producers can save thousands of dollars” said Komarnicki, “when they purchase generic glyphosates and Invermetin under own use permits.” Komarnicki questioned why during a time of rising gas prices, escalating costs and lower commodity prices, the Minister would take away the opportunity for farmers to purchase products at cheaper prices. “Why shouldn’t farmers be allowed to save money where ever they can during these dire financial times”, said Komarnicki. It is time for the Liberal Party to end their empty rhetoric and take concrete action to help farmers.

Gerry Ritz, Conservative Party Vice-Chair of the Agriculture Committee following discussions with Ed Komarnicki, made a formal request to the executive director of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency to extend the arbitrary September 30th deadline. In addition, both Ed Komarnicki and Gerry Ritz intend to pursue this issue vigorously when the Director appears before the federal Agriculture committee.

Attached please find the exchange during today’s Question Period.