I know. Some of my own farmers are enrolled in these programs. However, I was listening intently for the word “farmers”. I have found it to be a consistent pattern in my six years as an MP, on the environment committee and the fisheries committee, that when it comes to the list of people who are consulted, farming communities, agricultural communities, and natural resource communities are never mentioned. I want it on the record that I want to see those communities equal to all the other people who are consulted.
As this program unrolls, I would like to ask both you, Ms. Milburn-Hopwood and Mr. Prosper, will you commit to ensuring that farmers, ranchers, and rural communities are equal partners in any consultation process?