As far as livestock is concerned, the situation is the same in the east, in Central Canada and out west. Hog production has declined pretty much everywhere in Canada. The industry has fared somewhat better in Quebec because it has received more support over the last several years. However, in 2009, production has declined substantially, while the number of producers facing financial problems has increased.
The bulk of cattle production is in Alberta. This is also where we had the critical mass of processing-exporting slaughterhouses. They have been seriously affected and are concerned about the future of this production. Elsewhere in Canada, in the Maritime provinces, cattle and hog production are disappearing completely. Cattle production is marginal in Quebec. Quebeckers are consumers of beef, but they export it from Western Canada and from other countries. Ontario, which had a solid cattle production base, is experiencing a dramatic decline in production.
The rural fabric that is small and medium-sized cattle and veal producers is disintegrating. Similar crises occurred in the past when cows changed owners and farming operations consolidated. Today, cows are being sent to slaughter. Livestock numbers are down everywhere in Canada. This problem needs to be resolved quickly.