I am writing on behalf of…

I am writing on behalf of Association of Ontario Chicken Processors (AOCP). AOCP has nine primary chicken processor members that process 95% of the chicken grown in Ontario. AOCP members employ over 5,900 people and operate 20 facilities in communities across Ontario.

AOCP is very supportive of strengthening the Animal Health Act including the ability of the Minister to issue a temporary response order after receiving advice from the Chief Veterinarian for Ontario to enable more timely and effective responses to emerging animal health events. Timely and effective responses to animal health hazards, such as High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI), is critical to mitigating the risk of spreading disease and limiting negative economic impacts on the Ontario chicken industry.

Animal health hazards such as HPAI represent a significant risk to the Ontario chicken industry. Without a continuous flow of live chickens to primary processing facilities industry stakeholders will face significant costs and Ontario processors will be unable to meet the needs of their customers and Ontario consumers. Animal welfare is also a significant risk on Ontario chicken farms if birds can't be processed, or if there are processing delays.

Providing the Minister with the ability to issue a temporary response order could help to safeguard the chicken supply chain from further disease spread and allow product to continue to flow to chicken processing plants.