For release: October 15, 2004

Ontario Disappointed with US Trade Action Against Canadian Swine
Minister Peters vows to play direct role in the National Fight

Steve Peters, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture and Food, expressed disappointment and vowed to defend the swine industry in Ontario after the US department of commerce issued a preliminary anti-dumping determination today.

"Ontario will continue to work closely with the federal government and the industry," said Minister Peters. "We will take a direct role in supporting the swine industry in defending the interests of Ontario's swine sector."

Minister Peters expressed disappointment with the preliminary finding by the Department of Commerce on dumping, calling it yet another protectionist attack on the Canadian livestock industry.

The Department of Commerce ruling assessed a 13.25% dumping margin on Ontario Pork and provisional dumping duties are likely to be imposed on all hog exports to the US within a week's time.

"We will continue to stand behind our hog producers, and we remain confident that a fair review of the records by US authorities will confirm that Canadian hog exports are not causing injury to US producers."

A final determination and the critical assessment of injury is expected in March or April of next year.

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Contact:
Mary Devorski
Minister Peters' Office
(416) 326-3077
(416) 606-8303 (Mobile)