Huguette Allen and Alice Brown, two women on different posts of the political fence, agree on one thing: B.C.’s new meat inspection regulations aren’t right. Allen, a federal Green Party candidate and Brown, an NDP candidate, joined forces outside MP Colin Mayes’ office Tuesday to ask him to bring the federal government’s attention to the issues facing Okanagan farmers and the local food supply. “We are asking Mr. Mayes to bring attention to the concerns of thousands of people about their right to choose their food,” said Allen. Since September she has gathered almost 6,000 signatures from people opposing the new regulations, which took effect this month. The new rules mean only meat from livestock slaughtered in a licenced abattoir can be sold for food, driving under small-time farmers who can’t afford to set one up or make the haul to one. The changes forecast a gloomy future for area producers, but that’s just the beginning of the concerns Allen and Brown have heard. They say people want to support local agriculture, reduce greenhouse gases by eliminating the need for livestock transport, and ensure a safe local food supply.
Brown said people need to make sure their representatives hear about those problems, or there could be more down the road. “I’m concerned because if we don’t speak up now on the meat regulations, they’re going to put regulations in place on fruits and vegetables, too.” Mayes, who is working in Ottawa, said he’ll pick up their letter when he arrives back in Vernon tonight. “Once I get the information from my office, I’ll be happy to review it. I have talked to my constituents about this and it’s a concern of mine also.” Mary Stockdale said she believes it’s important to push government , but also encourage consumers to support farmer’s markets and eating local food. Her parents farm near Enderby and she said the new regulations push people out of what is already a barely viable living. “If these farms go under, they’ll sell their land, it’ll go to developers and be covered in concrete and there goes our food supply and food security.” To view the petition, visit www.okshuswapgreens.ca
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