Mr. Speaker, as a member of Parliament and a lifelong farmer, rural economic development is at the top of my priority list. As the fall harvest is upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all Canadian farmers who help make the Canadian economy strong by their hard work and determination, particularly those farmers from my riding Dauphin-Swan River.
We can be proud that Canada's farmers produce the safest and highest quality food products in the world. Our farmers make a valuable contribution to the Canadian economy. Agriculture accounts for 8 per cent of the GDP and 15 per cent of all employment in this country.
Hats off to Canadian farmers. Their efforts and hard work will continue to help Canada remain the best country in the world. Let us not forget that rural economic development initiatives of the Liberal government ensure that all Canadians, rural and urban, benefit from strong economic growth.