Where's the Minister on PMRA?

摘要

Deadlines being what they are, this commentary is being written the day after the federal budget. At the time you're reading this, more of the details will have been flushed out which — given the general nature of budgets and taxes — is an appropriate choice of words. What I have been able to glean is that overall departmental spending for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is being reduced from the 2.1 dollar-billion spent in 1994/95 to 1.6 dollar-billion by 1998/99. Ag Minister Ralph Goodale, in abrief comment on the budget, said: "Canada's unrelenting battle against the deficit has necessitated some tough decisions affecting the agriculture and agri-food sector. At the same time, successful deficit reduction has contributed to important benefits for the sector, such as low interest rates, low inflation, enhanced competitiveness, record exports and employment gains."