Livestock emergency response trailers going to Lower Mainland, Kootenays
News release
September 27, 2022 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agricultural producers in the Lower Mainland and Kootenays will have access to mobile livestock emergency response trailers through a pilot project funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia.
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is as much as $67,600 to support the pilot project in B.C. The trailers will be stationed in the Fraser Valley and East Kootenays, and will be available to support livestock producers during emergencies by providing specialized equipment to capture and contain animals and move them out of dangerous situations.
Each trailer will be equipped with livestock rescue supplies, such as horse and cow halters, sorting and corral panels, and tools. They will also carry supplies for producers, such as a first aid kit, safety/protective clothing, and a fire extinguisher. The trailers’ mobile capabilities will allow the units to be deployed to other regions during emergencies if needed.
The pilot is being led by the Emergency Livestock Response Committee that was formed in 2018. The committee aims to build upon the success of the pilot with additional trailers deployed throughout the province.
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quotes
“Canadian producers have always shown great dedication to protecting the welfare of their animals. The new mobile livestock emergency response trailers will equip producers in B.C. with the necessary tools to help ensure the continued care and safety of their animals in emergency situations.”
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“B.C. agricultural producers continue to demonstrate their resilience and strength during extreme weather events and emergencies. These new mobile livestock emergency response trailers will have the supplies producers need during critical times to ensure they have access to the necessary tools and equipment to take care of their animals and keep them safe.”
- Lana Popham, B.C.'s Minister of Agriculture and Food
“The concept of having livestock emergency response trailers in B.C. was first introduced by RCMP livestock coordinator Cpl. Cory Lepine after attending a large animal rescue clinic in Alberta, so a committee consisting of interested industry group representatives was immediately formed. The steering committee extends their appreciation and gratitude to the governments of Canada and B.C. for the financial support and hope to see more trailers deployed in the not-too-distant future.”
- Bob Miller, chair, Emergency Livestock Response Committee
Contacts
For media:
Marianne Dandurand
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
marianne.dandurand@agr.gc.ca
343-541-9229
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Dave Townsend
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