Mr. Speaker, Canada has one of the best safety net systems in the world. It includes the net income stabilization account, or NISA, crop insurance and companion programs.
In normal circumstances these safety net measures create income stability for farmers. However, today the hog and grain producers are not facing normal circumstances. This crisis is far greater than NISA was designed to handle.
The current farm income crisis demands an extraordinary response.
I know some producers who are facing the loss of the family farm. I understand the stress and trauma that this inflects on individuals and families.
In the short term we must respond to these farmers whose livelihoods are threatened. I know that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food has been working hard to resolve this issue. He has my support and I hope he has the support of this House.