Farmers welcome Minister Speller

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2003

First task: work with industry to fix CAISP

(OTTAWA) - Farmers across Canada are welcoming the appointment of Bob Speller to the office of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

"We're excited about starting a new era of partnership between the federal government and farmers," said Bob Friesen, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). "Mr. Speller did outstanding work as Chair of the Caucus Task Force on Future Opportunities in Farming. We are looking forward to working with him to implement the recommendations of the task force. He has shown himself to be a leader who listens to and understands producers."

With Ontario's signing yesterday of an Agriculture Policy Framework (APF) implementation agreement, the government will move ahead with the transition from the National Income Stabilization Accounts (NISA) program to the new Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAISP). While there are many issues of importance facing the industry, CFA requests Mr. Speller make it his first priority as Minister to work with industry groups and provinces to make key amendments to CAISP before that program is fully implemented.

"Sitting down with industry and provinces to implement amendments to CAISP would mark an excellent beginning to Mr. Speller's ministerial career," said Friesen.

International trade is another issue of critical importance to the agriculture industry. CFA appreciates Mr. Speller has past experience in this area, having served as Parliamentary Secretary to a Minister of International Trade. "Once WTO negotiations get back underway, that will be a priority for our industry. With his experience, Mr. Speller will be invaluable at the WTO table in promoting Canada's trade position."

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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:

Bob Friesen, CFA President, (204) 724-0824 (cell)
Brigid Rivoire, Exeuctive Director, (613) 236-3633 / (613) 715-3113 (cell)
Kieran Green, Communications Coordinator, (613) 236-3633