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Perspectives on Government ActionThe following section examines perspectives on government action with regards to the avian influenza outbreak in British Columbia. Specific topics include:
Disposal of Depopulated BirdsIn early April 2004, the BC government announced plans to place infected bird carcasses from the depopulation program in several landfills across the province. The decision immediately created a backlash in communities where the possible dumping may take place. In Cache Creek, 220 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, protesters have threatened to stop any trucks trying to bring in the dead birds from the Fraser Valley. There are concerns over possible contamination of the ground and water tables in areas where the carcasses will be dumped. In response, the provincial government attempted to assure the various communities of their safety. The government also announced a plan to use municipal incinerators and perhaps portable incinerators on farm sites to dispose of the dead birds. Provincial Government ResponseFollowing the invoking of the Provincial Emergency Program, the BC provincial government admitted that it had underestimated the challenge of coping with the avian influenza outbreak in the Fraser Valley. "I think collectively we didn't have the right expertise to make it happen and we didn't have the capacity," admitted BC Agriculture Minister John van Dongen. Provincial government officials commented that it had become clear that the government didn’t have enough people to keep pace with the disease’s spread. Solicitor General Rich Coleman, minister responsible for the Provincial Emergency Program, said the additional staff hopefully will allow it to get a jump on the outbreak and not require landfills outside the Fraser Valley control zone. Financial Aid to IndustryThe avian influenza outbreak has had a devastating impact on the BC poultry industry. The industry employs 5,000 people, and produces 147 million kilograms of chicken and 59 million dozen eggs annually. Initial reports suggest that the industry is losing $3 million a week, due in large part to the ban on exporting chickens from the area. The financial impact will be even harder following the depopulation of all commercial birds in the Control Area. Federal Agriculture Minister Bob Speller has promised compensation to the poultry industry, but said his primary objective is to wipe out the disease. The Minister also refused to indicate how much compensation will be forthcoming or when it will be announced. B.C. Agriculture Minister John van Dongen, who was at the meeting, said his government shares the federal goal of containing the disease, but will ensure that Ottawa lives up to its commitment to provide financial assistance. Minister van Dongen indicated that the province was working with the federal government on the compensation issue. Next >>
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