Canada announced this month that they would begin live exports to the United Arab Emirates as part of an effort to bolster trade between the two countries. The move has been met with anger by animal rights advocates, who argue live export is cruel and inhumane. Canada's agriculture ministry, however, believes the economic merits will outweigh the homegrown anger over the move. The ministry says that live cattle exported to the UAE will provide some $40 million in sales, bolstering the sector, which is home to some of the country's strongest lobbyists. “This announcement instantly provides new export opportunities for Canadian producers, and is a significant step toward regaining access to other key markets in the region,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Our Government's top priority remains the economy, and this new market access is good news for our hard working farmers across the country.” But animal rights advocates plan to protest the move in Ottawa in the near future. They told Bikyamasr.com that the live export trade “should be abolished now and put an end to the abhorrent animal abuses that take place in the industry.” Mary Youkles, a Ottawa resident who told Bikyamasr.com that she plans to use social media to create a campaign against the move, believes that the live export trade is one of the worst endeavors in modern technology. “So many animals are crammed onto these boats and many die along the way, which are then just dumped into the ocean as if they are meaningless. It is disgusting and for our government to get involved in this is wrong,” she said. But Canadian government officials disagree. “This is great news for Canadian cattle exporters, and yet another example of how our government's commitment to opening new markets for Canadian businesses and workers is getting results,” said Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. “The UAE's announcement advances our bilateral commercial relations, and will help our overall efforts to build on our economic and trade ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council region as a whole.” The industry itself is promoting the move as a means of boosting Canada's international trade. “We are pleased to have regained access to the UAE market,” said Rick McRonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association. “This is good news for exporters who have been waiting to pursue this opportunity.” BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/dVQSS Tags: Canada, Cattle, Live Export Section: Animals, Business, Latest News, North America, United Arab Emirates
