...on beef, barley and bellyaches

The recent cases of E. coli-related illness in our province and subsequent shut-down of XL Foods processing plant in Brooks, Alberta clearly show the need in Alberta to address the issue of food safety seriously and with integrity and vigor.

 I have been a proud and contributing member of the Alberta Party for four years, and I am excited about the direction this party is taking regarding governance in this province.  In ongoing Alberta Party conversations with Albertans, through our Big Listen "kitchen table" conversations over the past three years, I have heard Albertans  consistently share concerns regarding food safety.

 How will the Alberta Party address this issue?  Based on these same conversations, I think it is safe to say that we recognize the importance of supporting our agriculture community and the consumer-public by rebuilding and supporting local food production and processing. We recognize the critical need for safety guidelines and inspections, particularly in a society in which a factory meat processing system is a way of Canadian life.

Our country has, over time, created a food system which is built on global supply chains. A food system where eaters are no longer connected with farmers and the processing chain is impersonal. The focus is on profit along the chain rather than relationships and health.

I appreciate that the Alberta Party stands for a food system that rebuilds those connections and concentrates on social, human and animal health. According to directions accepted a year ago at the party AGM, we support local growers and local processing. We believe local processors, selling food to local consumers, will be more concerned with health and food security. Local processors will make food traceability easier and clearer.  This is not to imply that we would turn back the clock on large beef processing plants, but neither would it be in our Modus Operandus to allow for lapses in safety inspection in our production of food.

Agriculture production and processing remains a very important part of our province's culture and economics.  What has happened at XL Foods will damage the livelihoods of growers and the employees at the plant, and cast doubts on the worldwide reputation of Alberta beef.  This is unacceptable.

We support local economies and we support rural industry. We agree with Albertans that changes are necessary. So again I pose the question, how will The Alberta Party address this issue?  We will remain true to our stated principles, we will continue to consult with Albertans and experts in the field, and we will prepare a carefully considered, workable policy that will be in the bests interests of Albertans.  Just as the preparation of excellent food takes time, so does  the preparation of excellent policy.

Stay tuned.