In the midst of the Supreme Court of Canada’s deliberation on whether to review the case of a British Columbia farm fighting to protect its ostriches from a Canadian Food Inspection Agency cull, politicians in Ottawa are treading cautiously on the issue. Pierre Poilievre, a Conservative leader known for his outspokenness, refrained from directly endorsing the protesters at Universal Ostrich Farms, instead criticizing the Liberal government for mishandling the situation.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel, responsible for overseeing the CFIA, expressed concern about the farm’s circumstances but refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing court proceedings. Meanwhile, the farm’s spokesperson, Katie Pasitney, expressed disappointment in the lack of attention and support from Ottawa, particularly from Poilievre.
The farm’s advocates draw parallels between their cause and the recent “Freedom Convoy” protests, with key figures from the convoy showing solidarity. Despite receiving some backing from local officials, including Conservative MP Scott Anderson and the provincial MLA, the farm feels neglected by federal leadership.
Political analysts suggest that Poilievre’s cautious approach stems from a desire to avoid alienating segments of his supporter base. While some urge for a firmer stance, Poilievre remains focused on other key issues like affordability and crime. Former Conservative agriculture minister Gerry Ritz believes there are more pressing matters for Poilievre to address.
In a related development, Green Party leader Elizabeth May called for re-testing of the ostriches following her constituents’ opposition to the cull. She emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the facts, highlighting the CFIA’s refusal to conduct additional tests.
The CFIA’s stance remains consistent, citing the necessity to cull entire flocks upon avian flu detection to prevent disease spread and comply with international trade agreements. Legal battles have prolonged the culling process at Universal Ostrich Farms, with the Supreme Court of Canada yet to decide on the latest legal challenge.
