In the midst of the Supreme Court of Canada contemplating the case of a farm in British Columbia struggling to protect its ostriches from a cull by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Ottawa politicians are treading cautiously on the issue.
Pierre Poilievre was questioned twice recently about his stance on the protesters at Universal Ostrich Farms opposing the planned cull. The typically outspoken Conservative leader has refrained from directly addressing the protesters’ grievances.
Without mentioning the term “ostrich,” Poilievre shifted blame to the Liberal government, criticizing their handling of the situation and the perceived incompetence of the CFIA.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel, responsible for the CFIA, expressed concern over the farm’s predicament but declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Katie Pasitney, the farm’s spokesperson, lamented the lack of attention from Ottawa and Poilievre, urging leaders to prioritize issues affecting Canadians.
Many supporters of the farm draw parallels between this situation and the COVID-19 mandates that sparked the “Freedom Convoy” protests. Notably, “Freedom Convoy” organizer Tamara Lich has visited the farm multiple times.
While receiving some backing from local Conservative MP Scott Anderson and the provincial MLA, the farm feels overlooked by Ottawa, particularly Poilievre.
Political science professor Lori Turnbull noted Poilievre’s cautious approach to avoid alienating his supporters on the divisive issue.
Calls for re-testing the ostriches have been made, with Green Party leader Elizabeth May advocating for a re-evaluation of the situation.
The CFIA’s stance remains consistent, emphasizing the necessity of culling the entire flock upon detecting avian flu to prevent its spread and comply with international trade agreements.
Following the detection of avian flu among the ostriches in December 2024, legal battles have prolonged the culling process, with the CFIA now overseeing the farm pending a decision from the Supreme Court of Canada.
The farm’s ordeal has attracted attention from notable figures like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and John Catsimatidis, adding complexity to the situation.
