Calgarians to take part in protest targeting CFIA over B.C. ostrich cull

Protesters in Calgary and other Alberta communities are planning to protest the CFIA this weekend.

A slow-roll protest is planned for Saturday in Calgary as part of a national movement sparked by the recent cull of nearly 400 ostriches at a British Columbia farm.

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Organizers tell CTV News close to 100 vehicles are expected to participate — including tractors, horse trailers and personal vehicles.

The group will depart from a Walmart in the city’s northeast before travelling to the Edward H. Laborde viewing area on Aviation Road N.E. for a tailgate event near the local offices of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The protest is one of several planned across Alberta this weekend, with similar events scheduled in Edmonton, Lethbridge, Airdrie and Okotoks.

On the movement’s main website, no individuals or organizations are identified, but the event is described as “peaceful protests supporting farmer’s rights and rural communities.”

Local organizers say the recent ostrich cull in B.C., which was ordered after federal officials detected H5N1 in the flock, has become a catalyst for broader concerns about what they call CFIA and government overreach.

The cull followed a year-long dispute between the farm, protesters and the federal agency over how to handle the outbreak.

• RCMP says B.C. ostrich farm investigations continue, charges neither laid nor stayed
• ‘Valid’ questions for CFIA but few simple answers in wake of B.C. ostrich cull

According to CFIA data, 20 flocks in Alberta have been affected by avian flu so far this year, with all but one outbreak occurring since September.

‘Co-ordinate appropriate resources’

The Calgary Police Service said Friday it is aware of the protest and is making sure officers are in place to provide assistance wherever needed.

“As with all major events happening in Calgary, our major events and emergency management section and the real time operation centre will work together to continuously assess and co-ordinate appropriate resources,” CPS said in a statement.

“The CPS police liaison team is working with organizers to ensure a lawful, safe and peaceful event.”

It said officers will be present at the protest locations to ensure public safety is maintained.