Protecting Canadian Families

April 08, 2008

Today, Canadians enjoy unprecedented choice on their store shelves. Thanks to our increasing trade with partners all over the world, Canadian families have a wider access to more products than ever before.

Unfortunately, product safety laws have not kept up with the times. As Canada’s circle of trading partners grows, the need for vigilance against unsafe or unhealthy products grows too.

Previous Liberal governments failed to see that the changing tide of product availability also brought increased risk to consumers. Throughout their 13 years in power, the Liberals failed to meaningfully improve our product safety regulations. Instead, they turned a blind eye to a steadily growing risk.

When Canadians hear about California spinach infected with E. coli bacteria, children’s toys that contain toxic levels of lead, or toothpaste made with the same ingredient found in antifreeze and brake fluid, they have the right to be alarmed.

We will not compromise the safety of Canadian families. That is why the Conservative Government is acting to strengthen Canada’s product safety laws.

Products that say “Made in Canada” should be just that. Foreign imports should have rigorous standards and our trading partners must understand that their products need to comply with our rules. And the government should be able to pull dangerous products from our shelves, and fast.

When it comes to protecting consumers, the choice is clear. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government are taking real action to keep Canadians safer and healthier. The Stéphane Dion Liberals must answer to Canadian families for their record of inaction, weak leadership, and unacceptable risk.