Canada chose to comply with OIE standards in order to have access to other markets and has enjoyed a certain level of success. However, that comes at a cost, and it is our clients who pay. That is why we are asking that some assistance be provided until the regulations have been harmonized. In order for that to happen, we either have to lower our standards or wait for the Americans to comply with international standards. The pressure exerted on the U.S. meat sector is very different from that felt by the meat sector in Canada.
On November 3rd, 2009. See this statement in context.