Thank you, Kristy.
During the pandemic, agricultural sectors have continued operations as they were deemed essential. However, the majority of equine operations do not fall under the federal definition of farms and have had no choice but to suspend all business activities.
Since business closures were mandated in March, equine farms have continued to bear the costs to care for their horses with no money coming in. Whether these horses are working or not, horse care costs remain the same and an increasing number of equine operators are facing unimaginable hardships. Without some immediate relief, many more animals will be destroyed and multi-generational rural Canadian businesses will close their doors for good.
Equine businesses are diverse and located in every region of this country. More than 26,000 equine businesses use farmland, have purpose-built structures and have active equines to generate revenue. These businesses support regional economic development, including sport and competition, youth and adult development and wellness, therapeutic use, horse racing and agri-tourism. Canadian equine operations purchase between $910 million and $1.3 billion in hay, grain and bedding each year. They spend approximately $350 million annually on veterinary and farrier services.
We should be reminded that equine businesses follow virtually the same government regulations as livestock farmers. Whether it be with respect to animal welfare, for example, or transportation regulations, they are all part of the agricultural equipment economy of this country.
The equine businesses in jeopardy are significant economic contributors to the Canadian agriculture sector and long-standing fixtures in rural Canada.