TORONTO – Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, came out in support of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) Livestock Transporters' Division's (LTD) initiative to improve the transportation of livestock.

“OTA and CTA [are] indeed industry leaders in humane animal transportation,” read a letter from Minister Ritz. “I wish to congratulate you on the ongoing efforts of OTA/CTA to help improve conditions for animals during transport.”

The LTD is currently working with industry partners to develop a training program for transporters to help ensure animals are transported safely and securely by properly trained drivers.

“OTA and CTA [are] indeed industry leaders in humane animal transportation,” read a letter from Minister Ritz. “I wish to congratulate you on the ongoing efforts of OTA/CTA to help improve conditions for animals during transport.”

Deanna Pagnan, director of the LTD, said “It is gratifying to learn that our vision for the industry and efforts to ensure animal wellbeing is shared with the Government of Canada. We are very encouraged to have the Minister’s support and have received similar support from members of the food retail community, interested in joining our cause. We look forward to continuing to work together in shared our commitment to animal welfare.”