Media Release: Government of Canada Announces $2 million to Study Animal Welfare
March 15, 2018 OTTAWA - The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) was pleased to learn of the federal investment into an Industrial Research Chair for animal welfare announced by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
The funding was awarded to University of Saskatchewan researcher Dr. Yolande Seddon who will be working with multiple industry partners studying the welfare of farmed pigs.
“Pork producers recognize the importance of animal welfare and the need for research for continuous improvement. Pork producers pride themselves on the care they provide for their animals. Animal welfare directly impacts the sustainable and ethical production of pork and the quality of the meat produced” explains Rick Bergmann, CPC Chair. Animals that are well taken care of and that are not subject to stressful environments and practices produce higher-quality meat that is in high demand in international markets.
“We are pleased that pork producers from across Canada chose to contribute to this research and will be directly involved. Collaboration between researchers, producers, transformers and packers are key to a highly successful Canadian pork sector that creates jobs and contribute to the Canadian economy,” adds. Mr. Bergmann.
As producers rely on the CPC to create and maintain on-farm programs based on research and scientific facts, the Canadian Pork Council is proud to support this research and looks forward to exploring its findings.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council provided $837,750 with Canada’s swine industry matching the funding and providing in-kind support worth $128,000. The University of Saskatchewan will also provide $305,000 funding over the five-year term of the chair.
For more information about this initiative, please see: https://news.usask.ca/articles/research/2018/u-of-s-researcher-awarded-2-million-to-study-swine-welfare---.php
The Canadian Pork Council is the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations representing 7,000 farms, the organization plays a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.
Media Contact:
Gary Stordy - Director, Government and Corporate Affairs
Canadian Pork Council
613 263-9239 ext. 277
stordy@cpc-ccp.com
Government of Canada - Media Release and Backgrounder