Federal inspection of meat processing plants in Canada has been curtailed since the Harper Conservative government took office, the pm’s comments to the contrary notwithstanding. Federal inspectors no longer are on the shop floor; the federal government is moving towards letting the industry police itself. Why does this remind me of the Harris government’s decision to reduce municipal water testing in Ontario until people died in Walkerton? At least 6 people have died (and more deaths are being reviewed) as a result of contaminated meat being sold in Canada. The health minister is mysteriously absent - as he was when SARS hit Ontario - and the pm is making excuses.
Could this have anything to do with the pm’s sudden interest is rushing a fall election? Before things get worse. Before the House of Commons resumes and questions start flying amidst reminders that it was another Conservative government that failed to block the tainted tuna. Where are Conservatives when Canadian need protection? Not on-the-job, for sure.
