Farmers encourage Senate to proceed

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2003

(OTTAWA) - On behalf of Canadian producers, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) applauds the members of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee for making vital amendments to Bill C-10b - changes to the Criminal Code concerning cruelty to animals.

Farmers encourage Senators to pass the legislation with the two key amendments recommended by the CFA: the simplification of the definition of an animal and reinstating the defenses of legal justification, excuse and colour of right.

"We want Senators to know Canadian farmers are 100 per cent behind these two amendments they have made," said Bob Friesen, CFA President. "We recognize this has not been an easy task, and we want to thank the Committee members for the work they have done. It is our hope the Senate as a whole, and the House of Commons, will recognize the hard work and thought Committee members gave this issue, and pass the amended legislation."

Agricultural producers have always supported strengthening criminal provisions and punishments for individuals committing acts of cruelty to animals. However they had serious concerns that certain aspects of the original version of C-10b did not incorporate the same level of legal defenses as was provided to all Canadians in the original animal cruelty section. The CFA asked the Senators on the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee to make minor amendments in order to reinstate these protections.

"It is important to note that neither of these amendments in any way weaken this legislation. Farmers would not have supported that," stated Friesen. "This amended legislation is technically sound and is as strong as ever."

-30-

Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.

Contact:

Kieran Green, CFA Communications Coordinator, (613) 236-3633, info@cfafca.ca

Bob Friesen, CFA President, (204) 724-0824 (cell)

Brigid Rivoire, CFA Executive Director, (613) 236-3633 / (613) 715-3113 (cell)