OTTAWA - The Harper government’s failing grade from federal meat inspectors on improving food safety is proof that the Conservatives have learned nothing from the 2008 deadly listeriosis outbreak, Liberal MPs said today.

“Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz promised Canadians he would implement Sheila Weatherill’s recommendations, and yet here we are six months later and the meat inspectors tell us nothing substantive has been done,” said Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter. “We need more than empty commitments from the Conservatives – we need action.”

22 people died in the summer of 2008 due to what Ms. Weatherill called a ‘vacuum in senior leadership’ among government officials.

In her report, Ms. Weatherill made 57 recommendations, calling for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to make changes to its new meat inspection system, known as the Compliance Verification System (CVS), and to conduct an audit to determine the number of additional food inspectors required.

According to Bob Kingston, president of the union representing federal meat inspectors, the ‘vast majority’ of the recommendations have so far been ignored. The CVS remains unevaluated, inspector shortages remain a problem, inspectors continue to be hobbled by an inspection system that is deeply flawed and the audit has not even begun, he said.

“The Conservatives seem to think that if Canadians are no longer watching, they can just sweep it under the rug,” said Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett. “For once, Prime Minister Harper and Minister Ritz have to realize that in some cases, government has a role to play, especially when the health and safety of Canadians is involved.”

“The Conservatives cannot continue to gamble with people’s lives,” said Liberal Public Health Critic Dr. Kirsty Duncan. “They must act on these recommendations now.”