Statement made on 10 February 2009 by Senator Terry Mercer
Hon. Terry M. Mercer:
Continuing with Senator Milne's line of questioning to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, the carnage continues in the agricultural industry. Last month, 300 workers at two poultry processing plants in Kentville and New Minas, in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, were given their pink slips. As those senators who are members of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will know in conducting their study on rural poverty, the carnage in rural Canada is widespread.
These 300 workers are not reported in the numbers Senator Milne represented. They will not be reported until their final workday, which is February 28, so the news will continue to worsen.
The United States has introduced a stimulus package that contains a fair amount of help for the agricultural sector. How do we compete against this help if this government has not responded with specific policies and help for the agriculture industry, not only on the farm but off the farm and in processing as well?
These jobs are important; these jobs will not be replaced easily in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. Many of these jobs at both plants are occupied by women who have been there for many years. How will the government address this continuing problem?
I am talking about two plants in the Annapolis Valley, but I am sure many other senators can give examples of similar problems in their own provinces.
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