Mr. Speaker, as the Reform member just pointed out, there are two solitudes in Canada. Farmers in his part of the country feel that they are treated unfairly, and so do farmers in Quebec, particularly dairy producers. It is my duty to remind this House of some very eloquent figures regarding federal spending in the agricultural sector.
I randomly selected two years. In 1980, the federal government spent 55 per cent of its budget for agriculture in western Canada, compared to 16.4 per cent in Quebec-I mention the decimal because it is significant, considering that the total percentage is a mere 16 per cent. In 1993, the federal spent 60 per cent in western Canada, compared to 12.4 per cent in Quebec. So, we have 55 and 60 per cent for western provinces, compared to 16.4 and 12.4 per cent for Quebec.
Yet, Quebec generates 17 per cent of Canada's revenues in the agricultural sector. As you know, Quebecers account for 24 per cent of Canada's population. Let us look at a specific agricultural industry, such as potato growing. In terms of cultivated acreage, from 1981 to 1991, there was a 30 per cent increase in the West, compared to a 2 per cent decrease in Quebec. In the case of cattle, the production rose by 4 per cent in the West, while dropping by 13 per cent in the East.
As for hogs, there was a 39 per cent increase in the West and a 16-per-cent reduction in Quebec. Finally, the sheep population increased by 33 per cent in the West, compared to 8 per cent in Quebec. It is the same for every industry. This is what we mean when we say that this western diversification is done with our taxes.
Quebecers will actually pay to face unfair competition. This is what we are denouncing today. And I can tell Reform and Liberal members that every time Quebecers will be treated unfairly, the Bloc will raise its voice loud and clear.