I’ve been getting questions on the BSE situation and the court case in Billings, Montana. Here is a brief update on the situation.

Montana Judge Richard Cebull has granted 64 Conservative MPs and six senators the right to be part of a vital court hearing regarding whether or not the border should be re-opened to imports of live cattle from Canada.

“Amicus” standing in the case of R-CALF vs. USDA allows us to collectively submit a single, 10 page legal brief to the Montana court.

The Conservative Party of Canada’s amicus brief will be produced by our solicitor, Barry Appleton, after consultations have been made with stakeholders from the livestock industry.

Unfortunately, Ottawa cannot defend the interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers in U.S. court because the government did not appeal Judge Cebull’s dismissal of its own application for amicus standing.

Why did the Liberals leave it to Opposition MPs to defend the rights of Canadian farmers and ranchers?

This is the first time that Canadian MPs and senators have been given the ability to defend our country’s national policies before a foreign court. I am proud to take part in such a crucial court case for the livestock industry in Saskatchewan. We need a lawyer in that Montana courtroom so we can contest R-CALF’s accusations about Canada’s ability to test for BSE and the safety of Canadian beef.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament, and I welcome your feedback. Write or call my offices.