Federal budget cuts to food inspection a threat to food safety, says Public Service Alliance of Canada, Agriculture Union

VANCOUVER, Feb. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Agriculture Union are hosting a news conference to highlight the danger federal government cutbacks pose to the public with regards to Canada's already weak food safety and inspection program.

In addition to the cuts to food safety and inspection the federal government has already announced, Ottawa is planning to cut a further $37 million to $74 million in food safety spending in the upcoming budget.

Less than 2% of imported meat, seafood, and produce is currently inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, leaving the Canadian public dangerously vulnerable to food-borne illnesses.

What:				News conference
Where:				Teck Gallery (Room 1305, Main Floor) SFU Harbour Centre 555 West Hastings, Vancouver
When:				10:30 A.M., Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Who:				Bob Kingston, President - Agriculture Union Bob Jackson, Regional Executive Vice-President, Public Service Alliance of Canada - British Columbia

Patrick Bragg, PSAC, cell - 778-889-3486
Bill Tieleman, West Star Communications, cell - 778-896-0964