In a significant legal battle at the Supreme Court of Canada, a farm in British Columbia is fighting to protect its ostriches from a cull by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. While this unfolds, politicians in Ottawa are treading cautiously in addressing the issue.
When questioned twice recently about his stance on the protests at Universal Ostrich Farms, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre refrained from directly addressing the demonstrators’ concerns, instead pointing blame at the Liberal government for mismanaging the situation.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel, responsible for the CFIA, expressed her apprehension about the farm’s circumstances but declined to comment further as the matter is before the court. The farm’s spokesperson, Katie Pasitney, criticized the political silence on the issue and called for more attention from leaders like Poilievre.
The farm’s supporters draw parallels between this situation and the COVID-19 mandate protests, with “Freedom Convoy” organizer Tamara Lich visiting the farm multiple times. While receiving some local support, the farm laments the lack of attention from Ottawa, particularly Poilievre.
Professor Lori Turnbull noted Poilievre’s careful stance on the divisive issue to avoid alienating his supporters. Meanwhile, former Conservative agriculture minister Gerry Ritz emphasized that Poilievre has other pressing matters to address.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May advocated for re-testing the ostriches and expressed constituents’ opposition to the cull. Despite sympathy for the farm, May stressed the importance of gathering all facts, as the CFIA insists on culling to prevent the spread of avian flu.
The CFIA’s protocol mandates culling the entire flock upon detecting avian flu, a policy upheld by court rulings despite legal delays at the ostrich farm. The CFIA has assumed control of the farm pending the Supreme Court’s decision on the latest legal challenge.