FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa – Canada’s food inspectors’ union is urging Parliamentarians to step in and conduct an investigation into the listeriosis outbreak last summer that left at least 20 Canadians dead after eating contaminated Maple Leaf cold cuts.

“We welcome, with reservations, today’s appointment of Sheila Weatherill to conduct the Prime Minister’s investigation of the outbreak. Reservations because although she may be well qualified for the task, without the power to compel evidence or subpoena witnesses, she has been given only half the tools she needs to get to the bottom of the listeriosis tragedy,” said Bob Kingston, President of the Agriculture Union – PSAC.

The inspectors’ union is concerned about the government’s plan to make the investigation an undercover exercise.

“Ms. Weatherill’s work will be done under cover of a media blackout. Only after her report has been vetted by the government will it be made public,” Kingston said.

Kingston is calling for a Parliamentary review of the events related to the listeriosis outbreak and Canada’s food safety system. In a letter sent recently to MPs who will be members of the House of Commons Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee Mr. Kingston wrote:

“I am writing to urge you and your colleagues on the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food to investigate the listeriosis outbreak which killed at least 20 Canadians last summer. Recommendations concerning accountability and how to avoid a repeat of this tragedy are urgently needed.

While the Prime Minister has finally announced an investigator as promised last September, he has not given her the latitude or power to properly carry out her work.

In the months since the crisis evidence has been mounting that Canada’s food safety, inspection and enforcement systems are stretched to the breaking point.

I can assure you and your committee colleagues that assertions by the Minister that 200 additional food inspectors have been hired are false. No additional food inspectors have been hired by CFIA since well before the outbreak. The Agency simply does not have the resources to fully address food safety as well as all of its other mandated responsibilities.

On average, processed meat inspectors who work for CFIA are responsible for 4 meat processing facilities – double the realistic workload. They are further handcuffed by a system of industry safety self-policing that does not require the inspector to be notified when company tests find bacterial contamination in the plant.

We encourage you to call the Minister and his officials to testify as to their actions during the outbreak. As well, we urge the committee to call Maple Leaf CEO Michael McCain to explain his actions and decisions before, during and after the outbreak. There are many other experts who would be able to contribute to your deliberations as well.

In your investigation, we urge you to use all the powers and privileges of a Committee of the House of Commons to compel witnesses to appear and evidence to be brought forward; powers that the Prime Minister’s investigation will apparently not enjoy.”

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For information: Jim Thompson 613-447-9592