News Release

For Immediate Release
July 22, 2004

Report Commissioned To Ensure Safety Of Ontario Meat Products

TORONTO — The Ontario government has received Mr. Justice Roland J. Haines' report on Ontario's meat regulation and inspection system, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"On behalf of the Ontario government, I would like to thank Justice Haines for his dedicated efforts in carrying out this important review," said Bryant. "The safety of our province's food supply is one of the most basic matters of public trust. Our government takes this responsibility very seriously."

In January 2004, the government appointed Justice Haines of the Superior Court of Justice to examine and report on Ontario's meat regulation and inspection system. He was asked to look at the roles and responsibilities of various provincial ministries, as well as local health units with respect to provincial abattoirs and free-standing meat processors.

"I have given Justice Haines' report to my colleague the Minister of Agriculture for his careful consideration," said Bryant. "This government wants to do everything possible to ensure the continued safety of Ontario meat products and, indeed, all food products."

At 12:00 noon today Justice Haines' report will be available on the Ministry of the Attorney General's website ( www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca) and through Publications Ontario ( www.publications.gov.on.ca or 1-800-668-9938).

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