Mr. Speaker, since January 1, 1997, the federal program implemented by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has resulted in the elimination of some 11,500 lambs and sheep in 236 herds.
This massive slaughter of nearly 10% of the animals has seriously affected the sheep industry in Quebec. Most animals have been slaughtered as a preventive measure, and some producers have lost their whole herd.
Last June, the Bloc Quebecois requested a moratorium on the slaughtering of sheep, and this moratorium has been respected, because it was imperative to take stock and put an end to the carnage.
Today, we are asking the government and the minister of agriculture to act responsibly and fairly toward sheep producers and to prevent there being two categories of victims—those predating the October 27, 1998 order increasing maximum compensation and those of January 1, 1997.
Fair treatment. Since the industry and the department have agreed on maximum compensation after October 27 of some $600 a head, it would be fair if all producers received the same settlement. If the agency cannot legally act retroactively, the minister can set up ad hoc programs or income security measures similar to disaster relief.
The Government of Quebec is doing its very large part to support sheep producers. Today, in fact, it accorded a maximum loan of $100,000 per business interest free for three years to all Quebec producers whose animals were slaughtered between January 1, 1997 and October 27, 1998.
So now what are those primarily responsible for the slaughter of these many sheep—the agency and the department of agriculture—waiting for to do likewise? We simply want them to be fair and equitable.