Canadian Policy Interventions During The Mad Cow Crisis: Cause and Consequence of First Nation Exclusion

David C. Natcher; Tom Allen; Trina Schmid

doi:10.29173/jaed304

Authors

David C. Natcher
Tom Allen
Trina Schmid

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/jaed304

Keywords:

Agriculture, Animals, Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE, Business And Economics, Cattle industry, Disease, Encephalopathy, Ethnic Interests, Farm income, Financial support, Government aid, Income tax returns, Income taxes, Interviews, Livestock, Market prices, Participation, Rural areas

Abstract

This paper presents the results of policy research to determine the extent to which First Nation cattle producers in Saskatchewan, Canada applied for and received government financial support following the 2003 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease) crisis. Findings indicate a 3% participation rate among First Nation producers compared to 80% participation rate for non-First Nation producers during the same period. It is argued that if the federal and provincial governments of Canada continue their policies of indifference towards First Nation agriculture, it is unlikely that agricultural will ever serve as a viable economic opportunity for First Nations in Canada.

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