Posted on 29 June 2010
OTTAWA – Liberal Senator Bob Peterson is calling on the Federal Government to get specific about what help will be available for farmers affected by what is being called the worst spring seeding season in history; And he has a challenge for Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
“While the Provincial and Municipal governments were quick to act, the federal response has been as unpredictable as the weather,” said Senator Peterson. “I am challenging Minister Ritz to tell farmers what help they can expect before the Federal / Provincial Agriculture Ministers’ meeting being held in Saskatoon gets underway on July 6.”
The provincial government has opened the door to sharing the cost of a disaster assistance program but the Province needs answers from the federal government before going ahead. Meanwhile, farmers question if they’ll get help, how much it will be and when they will get it.
“Early summer was one of the toughest on record for those of us who call Saskatchewan home,” concluded Senator Peterson. “I am happy to see that roads are being repaired and that the sun is shining on the Prairies, but we cannot forget the plight of farmers who are mourning their crops for 2010. I hope this challenge will help get answers for grain producers. Sometimes Ottawa needs a little coaxing to do the right thing.”
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N.B. - The Senate of Canada is sitting well into the summer to review legislation passed by the House of Commons. Earlier today in Question Period, Senator Peterson challenged the government directly on the issue of assistance. A transcript of the exchange between Senator Peterson and Senator LeBreton is below:
Hon. Robert W. Peterson: My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Early summer was one of the toughest on record for those of us who call Saskatchewan home. I am happy to see that roads are being repaired and that the sun is shining in the Prairies today, but we cannot forget the plight of farmers who are extremely concerned about their crops for this year. Last week I asked the Honourable Leader of the Government in the Senate for the government's plan for assistance to Western grain producers who are affected by the heavy rains and flooding. Since my last question in this chamber, we have heard nothing from the government on their response. Meanwhile, farmers are left to wonder if they will get help, how much it will be and when they will get it.
I ask once again: Will the government commit to telling farmers what help they can expect before the federal-provincial agriculture ministers’ meeting being held in Saskatoon on July 6?
Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government): The honourable senator is quite right; I did take the question as notice because a situation like this, as the honourable senator well knows, takes some time to assess, and obviously it is an ongoing situation. Fortunately for the farmers in Saskatchewan, they have a credible, sympathetic and hands-on spokesperson in the person of the Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Gerry Ritz. He has been out in the field and in the fields, literally, meeting with farmers and all those affected by the floods. I have great faith that he and his officials will provide a detailed and fulsome response. Today, I have been checking on the questions that I have taken as delayed answers. As the honourable senator mentioned, there is a meeting of ministers early next week. We can all take great faith in the fact that we have a minister who is always working for farmers. An example of his hard work was his ability to once again open up the market to China for beef. It really helps when you have a Minister of Agriculture who was actually a farmer. He tends to bring about action on issues that perhaps other people might not be so cognizant of.
Senator Peterson: I have no doubt that we will receive a long report, but timing is critical in this regard. The provincial government has opened the door to sharing costs on this issue, but they cannot do anything until they get some direction from the federal government. I hope the leader can assure us that the government will rise to the challenge and deal with this matter in a timely fashion.
Senator LeBreton: I do not think one can find an example, ever, where a Conservative government has not risen to a challenge in aid of our farmers.
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Contact:
Senator Peterson’s Office
(613) 995-4222
peterr@sen.parl.gc.ca