Federal agriculture minister assures P.E.I. potato exports 'top priority'
CBC
Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau wants Prince Edward Islanders to know the federal government is working very hard to lift a trade suspension for fresh P.E.I. potatoes to the U.S.
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King is in Washington this week lobbying officials, senators and members of Congress.
Canada suspended the trade of P.E.I. potatoes to the U.S., worth an estimated $120 million, to prevent threatened action from the American side.
The concern is connected to the discovery of potato wart, a serious agricultural pest, in two P.E.I. fields in October. Potato wart disfigures potatoes and makes them unmarketable, but is not a threat to human health.
On Thursday, King questioned why Bibeau had not joined the delegation to Washington.
King expressed frustration that during a meeting with Canada's ambassador to the U.S. he was asked to bring up a trade dispute regarding electric vehicles while talking about potatoes.
"It's time to get rid of this silly BS and let's get to work and get this open," said King.
"If we're really Team Canada, let's act like it's Team Canada."
In an emailed statement, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic Leblanc rebuked the premier.
"Islanders would be better served with more respectful and productive behaviour going forward," he wrote.
Bibeau told CBC News Friday that she had not been invited and only learned about the trip incidentally. While King was in Washington, she said she was raising the issue with the American ambassador in Ottawa.
"We do understand how the potato industry is important for farmers and everyone on the Island," Bibeau told Island Morning host Mitch Cormier.
"We are working on every front to restore markets and also support farmers."
Bibeau said all lobbying efforts are important, but she believes the issue will ultimately be resolved by scientists at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in talks with scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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