February 2, 2010 – Nadeau Maple Lodge has rejected the proposal for contract killing made by Groupe Westco, insisting instead that Westco cede ownership of its birds so that Nadeau can sell them itself after slaughtering and processing are completed.
February 2, 2010 – Nadeau Maple
Lodge has rejected the proposal for contract killing made by Groupe
Westco, insisting instead that Westco cede ownership of its birds so
that Nadeau can sell them itself after slaughtering and processing are
completed.
Westco wrote in a press release that it deplores the attitude taken by Nadeau Maple Lodge and implores the Government of New Brunswick to intervene in the negotiations. The Westco proposal, submitted January 22, is in full compliance with the Ministerial Order and would temporarily ensure processing of New Brunswick poultry at Nadeau Maple Lodge, provided the chickens are returned to Westco once they have been processed to be marketed by the latter through its Sunnymel partnership.
"As the government requested, we proposed a solution that implemented the terms of the Ministerial Order and we agreed to the mediation proposed by the Government. Nadeau Maple Lodge, meanwhile, has not been open to mediation and insists that ownership of our birds be ceded to it, even though the Ministerial Order does not require this. We hope that Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ouellette will be able to convince Nadeau Maple Lodge to reconsider its position so that Westco can begin delivering chickens for contract killing as soon as possible. We have done everything possible to be in compliance with the Ministerial Order, in spite of the short deadlines, and Westco will not make any more concessions beyond what is required in the order," concluded Westco President and CEO Thomas Soucy.
Westco still regards the Government of New Brunswick's decision as invalid and unconstitutional, and continues to explore all available options.
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