Canadian Federation of Agriculture reacts to Farm Assistance
OTTAWA-- Canadian Federation of Agriculture President Jack Wilkinson expressed his thanks to the federal cabinet today, particularly to Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief. The Minister's announcement earlier today of $900 million represents a substantial commitment to the country's farmers and the agricultural industry they support.
"Today's announcement will make the difference for thousands of farming families who were facing the very real prospect of losing their livelihood, their homes, and their place within their communities," said Wilkinson. "Lyle (Vanclief) and other Members of Parliament, from both government and opposition, are to be commended for the work they have put into securing this commitment of support from the federal cabinet. Thank you, thank you very much."
The CFA President was quick to add that the government has to move quickly to ensure that the assistance announced today finds its way to those most in need as soon as possible.
"There's still so much work to do," said Wilkinson, "provincial governments have to be brought on side sooner rather than later in order to provide the security our producers need to make it through this crisis."
Wilkinson added that a particular effort has to be made to ensure that federal bureaucrats and their provincial counterparts work together to deliver the money committed to Canada's farmers as quickly and as efficiently as possible. "People are counting on the Minister to deliver the goods as promised...the last thing anybody wants is for someone to lose the family farm because of inter-provincial or departmental red tape."
The CFA President did, however, caution farmers to temper their expectations. Wilkinson stressed that the program was designed to be "WTO green"and non-countervailable: "The program announced today is what we've been asking for – a disaster program intended to save farmers who are on the brink. It's not an income-support program nor is it a price-support program. It's there to help keep people afloat, to buy them the time they need to get through the absolute worst of times."
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