The Honourable Allan Rock

Minister of Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Brooke Claxton Building
Postal Locator 09 16 A
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Tel. (613) 991-2924
Fax (952) 991-2240

Re: Commercial Hemp In 1998

Dear Minister Rock,

I am concerned to hear reports that the process to have regulations in place to grow hemp commercially in 1998 is running into obstacles. I understand that hemp has exceptional potential as a commercial crop, and believe that is unjust to keep such a valuable commodity out of reach of farmers and businesses who could greatly benefit from it.

If Canada does not allow Canadian farmers to grow hemp commercially in 1998, many businesses will be forced to seek import opportunities from other nations more friendly to developing agricultural trade. Currently twenty-nine countries grow, process and export hemp throughout the world including China, Great Britain and Germany.

Hemp is NOT a fringe product, it is an important industrial crop which has the potential to greatly benefit Canada, both environmentally and economically. Just look to Great Britain, for example, where Ford Motors is now utilizing hemp fibers as re-enforcement material in plastic auto parts. We encourage your agency to complete the commercial hemp permit regulations in a timely manner for the good of all Canadians.

Please advise us if Canada will be developing commercial hemp regulations for the 1998 season. We need this information so we can complete our plans for hemp in the coming year.

Sincerely,

cc:

The Honourable Lyle Vanclief
Minister of Agriculutre and Agri-Food
Sir John A. Carling Building 930 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C5
Tel. (613) 996-2508 Fax. (613) 996-9219

The Honourable John Manely
Minister of Industry
235Queen Street, 11th FLoor East Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5
Tel. (613) 995-9001 Fax (613) 992-0302

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