PREMIER TAKING BEEF INDUSTRY MESSAGE TO U.S.

Released on September 12, 2003

Opening the border to Canadian beef and live cattle will figure prominently on Premier Lorne Calvert's agenda when he attends the Western Governors' Association 2003 Annual Meeting, September 13th-16th in Big Sky, Montana.

"We have demonstrated clearly that our beef is safe," Premier Calvert said. "I will take every opportunity to express Saskatchewanc's, and Canada's, position that it is time for Americans to accept imports of all Canadian beef and live cattle, as they did before May 20th."

On September 14th, Premier Calvert will participate in a session on "Working Together across the Canada-U.S. Border" with the Governors of several Western states as well as Western Canadian Premiers. Agricultural trade will be one of the main topics of discussion.

In advance of the meeting, Premier Calvert also reported on the success of the Saskatchewan government's petition to U.S. President George Bush calling for a full border opening for Canadian beef and cattle. A total of 30,431 signatures have been collected and will be forwarded to U.S. Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci.

"With their signatures on this petition, thousands of people have voiced their support for our beef producers," Calvert said. "Their message is that Canadian beef is safe, and that the time has come for our American counterparts to resume business as usual with their largest trading partner and closest friend."

Aside from the groundswell of support from within Saskatchewan, signed petitions were submitted by people across Canada and the U.S.

"We hope that this show of solidarity from Canadians from all walks of life will help convince U.S. authorities to move quickly to restore the flow of Canadian beef and cattle into their country."

While at the Western Governors' Association 2003 Annual Meeting, Premier Calvert will speak to Saskatchewan's cross-border interests in a number of other areas, including the current softwood lumber and wheat disputes, energy co-operation, border security, transportation corridors and forest fire-fighting co-operation.

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For More Information, Contact:

Rob Cunningham Executive Council Regina Phone: (306)787-6349 Cell: (306)539-1126