Workers at CFIA are allegedly experiencing intimidation and threats in response to the planned ostrich cull in British Columbia, as reported by the union.
Union Representing Canadian Food Inspection Agency Workers Reports Intimidation and Threats Amid Ostrich Cull Controversy
Workers at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are facing a wave of intimidation and online threats following a court order to cull hundreds of ostriches at a British Columbia farm, according to the head of the union representing the agency's employees.
Agriculture Union President Milton Dyck stated that rocks were thrown at an agency vehicle in the affected region, although he did not confirm a direct link to the planned ostrich cull. Online discussions advocating for harming workers have been deemed a concerning escalation, Dyck asserted.
CFIA staff members have a job to do, acknowledged Dyck, while recognizing the impact of the cull on farmers' livelihoods. The Agriculture Union, affiliated with the Public Service Alliance of Canada, conveyed its increasing concern over the online threats in a statement on Monday.
Protesters have congregated at the Edgewood, B.C., property to try to halt the cull that was ordered following an outbreak of avian flu. Ostrich farmers argue that the remaining birds on the farm have acquired herd immunity and possess valuable scientific significance, making the cull unnecessary.
Whenever dealing with culls or matters affecting people's livelihoods, there is tension, acknowledged Dyck in a phone interview, emphasizing the importance of maintaining awareness of the surrounding circumstances.
The union supports the right to peaceful protest so long as it does not disrupt workers, according to the union's statement. The union expects its members to work in a secure environment, free of physical threats and intimidation, Dyck added.
The CFIA announced Monday that it will move forward with the cull, regardless of a request from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the birds to be spared. Kennedy had authored a letter advocating for a study on the ostriches' immune response to avian flu, but the CFIA declined the proposal, stating that the "humane depopulation" of the flock will proceed.
Kennedy's attempt to save the ostriches came after protests at the farm, with some demonstrators remaining to call for more supporters to join their cause. Despite the efforts of protesters and external interveners, the Federal Court judge upheld the cull order on May 27, 2025. The CFIA has withheld the dates and plans for the cull due to privacy concerns for producers.
- In light of the upcoming ostrich cull controversy, the union representing Canadian Food Inspection Agency workers emphasized the need for maintaining awareness of the surrounding circumstances during interviews.
- The Agriculture Union, in its statement, supports peaceful protests but demands a secure working environment free of physical threats and intimidation for its members.
- Amidst policy-and-legislation debates surrounding the cull and general-news coverage of the events, tensions are high, audibly acknowledged by the union president, as jobs and livelihoods are affected.
