The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
1341 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
Via Email: marie-claude.bibeau@parl.gc.ca
November 29, 2021
Dear Minister Bibeau,
On behalf of our member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade representing more than 1,700 businesses across Prince Edward Island (PEI), the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is asking the Government of Canada to work with the provinces, our Canadian consulates, and other officials to ensure that a decision with such a detrimental impact to the PEI economy is based on science and fact.
The $1.3 billion potato industry in PEI is a massive economic driver in the province. This export ban will cost in excess of $120 million in revenues, and many millions more as the price of potatoes is deflated due to an oversupply within Canada.
PEI farmers have been managing the issue of potato warts for 20 years. In this instance, when the potatoes impacted by the wart were discovered, they were immediately quarantined. The impacted potatoes were never destined for export. Potato wart is not dangerous to human health, which the Prime Minister agreed with during last week’s question period when he stated, “that there is no scientific basis for the ban on potatoes.”
COVID-19 has created many global supply chain issues and there are presently food shortages across the world. Halting the export of a staple, like potatoes, will cause perishable food to be unnecessarily destroyed despite safety protocols in place, no risk to human health, and a minimal risk of the wart spreading to other potatoes.
Our Federal Government can play a leading and active role in helping to educate our trading partners and advocating for one of our long-standing industries, rather than arbitrarily devastating an entire province based upon what a trading partner may or may not do. Moving forward, we urge you to work with the wider strength of our partners and officials to support the PEI potato industry in a Team Canada approach.
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce stands with our members, the Government of Prince Edward Island, and the PEI Potato Board as we call for the Federal Government to immediately address this urgent matter and remedy this issue so that PEI potato farmers can resume exports to the United States.
Sincerely,
Sheri Somerville,
CEO | Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
Robert Godfrey
Chief Executive Officer | Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce
Tara Maddix
Executive Director | Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce
Lori MacGregor
Executive Director | Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce
Julie Corbett
Executive Director | Kensington and Area Chamber of Commerce
Marion Miller
President | South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Tammy Rix
Executive Director | West Prince Chamber of Commerce
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Letter to the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau: Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Thursday, December 2, 2021
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce takes proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework.
Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.
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