(Ottawa) With Federal Government Ministers Jim Flaherty (Finance), David Emerson (International Trade), and Gerry Ritz (Agriculture) poised to announce the passing of legislation to substantially increase the fat content of cheeses sold in Canada, The Consumers' Association of Canada wonders if Health Minister Tony Clement is asleep at the switch. Why is he not publically opposing this legislation which will prove disastrous to the future health of Canadians and place a huge burden on our already overloaded Health Care System? "Higher saturated fat content in our foods means more people will suffer strokes and heart attacks. I read the advice by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Their message is clear, Canadians should reduce their consumption of saturated fats from sources such as dairy products," said CAC President, Bruce Cran. .

The Consumers' Association calls on Minister Clement to step forward and protect Canadians by opposing this legislation. "I do not know of a single Canadian who believes they should consume more saturated fat," said Cran. "This is just a payoff to the dairy industry at the expense of the health of Canadian consumers."

For further information:
Mr. Bruce Cran, tel. - 613 291 7999