Mr. Speaker, Canada's $30 billion cattle industry is still at risk. Contrary to popular belief, the borders are not open. I repeat, the borders are not open. The U.S. government is currently taking applications from American beef importers.
Canada exports six out of ten cows we produce but the beef industry is at a standstill. A way of life is at risk. Tens of thousands of farm families are about to lose their livelihood. The Liberal government has not done enough to resolve the problem.
Politics created this problem and it will take politics to fix it.
When will the government convene and lead a multi-party delegation, including representatives of the industry, to Washington at the earliest possible date to discuss with officials of Congress and the Government of the United States all possible means to fully reopen the U.S. border to shipments of Canadians livestock?