Mr. Speaker, I have been here most of the day during this debate. In all seriousness I am really wondering why the motion by the Reform Party was put today.
I have asked several times for Reformers to come forward with specifics and they have not. The member opposite was not on the farm crisis really at all. Are they just blowing smoke over there? Is this a debate for their pet peeves about other issues?
We have seen all kinds of attacks on the government, on the Canadian Wheat Board, on this and on that but we have not seen one specific from the Reform Party in terms of dealing with this farm crisis. The farm crisis is serious. It must be dealt with now.
Tomorrow the minister of agriculture has a meeting with the farm leaders and all the ministers of agriculture from across the country. He is being proactive.
Here is an opportunity today for Reformers to put forward some suggestions and we are hearing none. Let me ask again, could they give me some specifics. I know their policy talks about using market mechanisms. Are they now recognizing that there is a crisis out there? Are they willing to go beyond the market mechanisms and go to ad hoc programs? Are they willing to use farm credit? Are they willing to use green programs? Does the farm debt mediation board need to be strengthened? Give us some suggestions, some specifics.