As threatened in lastweek’s column, this
Dairy Farmers of Canada is warning
week we will advance gingerly out on a
Canadians to avoid being fooled by “frozen
limb and attempt to deal with bears.
desserts”dressedupas real ice cream. DFC is
Anytime you poke aroundwith an issue
urging consumers to look for the 100%
such as animals, you can expect to get a
Canadian Milk symbol on the package as a
wide range of views, and often the stances
guarantee they are buying the real thing.
are extreme. Some see all creatures as being
Go to www.realicecream.ca to get the scoop
lovable and cuddly. Others see all four-
on how to make sure you are buying real ice
legged beasts as potential meals and/or
cream and not “frozen desserts,” which are
Bears: It is all
trophies.
usually made with edible vegetable oils that
Fortunately, most of us are somewhere
lack the nutrients naturally found in milk. In
in the middle – we realize that when it
fact, theoilsused in“frozendesserts,” suchas
comes to sharing space, mutual respect is
palm kernel oil or coconut oil, are the very
about mutual respect
the best policy. While we continue to be
same oils consumers are trying to avoid in
startledandthrilledeach timeweencounter
their diets.
agriculture-wildlife conflicts.
Which brings us to the announcement
wildlife, we are also aware that even the
“Just because something looks like ice cream,
The changes modernize the 30-year-old
that Ontario is increasing the compensation
most docile wild animal can be lethal. Ever
doesn’tmean it is ice cream. It’softendifficult
Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee
farmers can access for damage caused by
get between a doe and its fawn? Not a
for consumers to spot the difference,” says
Protection Act. The program is part of
predatory wildlife.
happy experience.
assistant director, marketing and nutrition
Growing Forward, a joint federal-
You know that this is a wise investment
Since this is a time of year when many
communications at DFC, Solange Heiss.
provincial-territorial initiative. “This new
because both the federal and Ontario
people venture out into the great outdoors,
“Consumers are often unaware that the
program is a positive example of
governments say so.
authorities are issuing annual warnings
brands theybuy and trust are not ice creamat
cooperation between governments and
Through the new Wildlife Damage
about the potential presence of bears.
all, but rather a lesser product masquerading
industry to create effective business risk
Compensation Program, livestock owners
As the Ontario Ministry of Natural
as the real thing.”
management programs that benefit the
will receive improved compensation when
Resources points out, bears usually avoid
Speaking of getting real, we are fortunate to
sector as a whole. This program will help
theirlivestockorpoultryareinjuredorkilled
humans. Generally, you won’t see a bear
haveatourdisposalsomanyfarmers’markets
farmers recover from and prevent losses
by predatory wildlife or when bee colonies,
even if one is close by. Remember, you are a
in the region.
causedbywildlife,”saidGerryRitz,Federal
beehivesorbeehiveequipmentaredamaged
visitor in the bear’s home range, so do all
By supporting local producers, we not only
Minister of Agriculture. (He works with
by wildlife.
you can to avoid encounters.
get good food, we also support our rural
our MP, Pierre Lemieux.)
As an aside, as far aswe know, there is no
Public safety informationcanbe foundat
economy.
“Wildlife damage is a serious concern for
compensation for the many cats that have
www.ontario.ca/wildlife to help
Which brings us to next week’s theme: Gee!
farmers. Updates to the Wildlife Damage
allegedly been downed by fisher over the
individuals protect themselves, their
The good old days.
Compensation program are yet another
last few years.
properties and their pets from various
exampleofhowtheMcGuintygovernment
Anyway, wild animals have been
Christmas In July
wildlife species.
is working with farmers to develop
“harvesting” an alarming number of
Black bear sightings are rare in eastern
PapanackZooinWendoverhostsitsannual
programs that meet their needs. Not only
innocent farm animals.
Ontario.
Christmas In July event July 25, from 10 a.m.
does this program expand the number of
Since 2009, almost 13,700 livestock
However, if you are out picking berries
to 4 p.m.
wildlife species and the types of livestock
animalswereinjuredorlostduetopredators
orjustwanderingalongatrail,it isadvisable
With a donation of an unwrapped toy or a
they can be compensated for, it also helps
like coyotes or wolves in Ontario.
to take some precautions. A good sturdy
gentlyusedsnowsuit, the zoowill give a child
us refresh maximum compensation rates
Thenewfarmlivestockprogramexpands
stick comes in handy, when it comes to
admission for free.
regularly,keepingtheminlinewithcurrent
thecurrentlistofwildlifespeciesandvariety
shooing off pesky critters and humans. It is
Last year's event was a huge hit. Papanack
marketvalues,”saidCarolMitchell,Ontario
oflivestockthatfarmerscanbecompensated
also a sound idea to be loud, so you can
was able to donate 400 toys and snowsuits to
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural
for, and increases the maximum
announce your presence to the forest
the Valoris Services for Children and Adults
Affairs.
compensation rates for farmers. It also
creatures. If properlywarned, the skitterish
agency.
Speaking of farmers, as consumers, we
providesa$30reimbursementforeachclaim
animalswill haveplentyof time toget away
Santa and residentswill be on hand to take
can do ourselves, and our vital dairy
a municipality processes and provides a
from you, and any other annoying humans
early Christmas wish lists. There will also be
industry, a favour if we did a little reading
$50,000 fund for strategic investments with
who may be lurking in the bushes.
face-paintingandallkindsofChristmascheer.
before we purchase frozen treats.
industrytobetterunderstandhowtoprevent
Everything is cute, from a safe distance.
23 900 copies
c’est
livrées chaque semaine, nombre vérifié et
certifié
par
SAMSON BÉLAIR / DELOITTE & TOUCHE
Pour plus de renseignements, communiquez avec Gilles Normand au 613 632-4151.
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