News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The following statement was issued by Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp about the provincial government's decision not to restructure New Brunswick's chicken board as per a proposal received from Maple Lodge and Nadeau Poultry:

The proposal from Maple Lodge and Nadeau Poultry was carefully reviewed by the provincial government, including lawyers. In addition, I met with staff of the department, the New Brunswick Chicken Farmers of New Brunswick and both companies involved in this dispute to understand the issue at hand fully.

After careful consideration, the provincial government decided it would not implement the proposal by Maple Lodge and Nadeau Poultry.

From the beginning, this issue with chicken supply in New Brunswick has been between two companies that, for the past several years, have been at odds.

The provincial government has done everything in its power to help these companies resolve the issue. All attempts by the provincial government have been legally challenged and struck down by the courts. We must respect those legal decisions.

The courts have ruled that the interlocking federal-provincial legislation governing the marketing of live chicken is predicated on the free movement of this farm product both in within and outside Canada, so long as the quota limitation on each producer is faithfully observed.

The provincial government, therefore, is not prepared to interfere by attempting to restrict producers' rights to market their product where they so choose.

The rulings are clear. This issue will not be resolved by trying to circumvent the regulations under which the chicken industry is regulated in the province and across the country.

It is ultimately up to the companies to resolve this, and our offer of mediation remains open.