Mr. Speaker, the crisis in agriculture is the focus of much attention by politicians. The conclusion is that we need a large cash bailout over the next few years.
In that light it is very interesting a group of grain farmers in western Canada has made an offer to the government to give up the cash they are entitled to if the government would give them the right to market their own grain. Let me quote:
Many farmers feel they are ready to stand on their own feet, many individuals who are suffering the current cash flow problems are convinced this could have been averted if they had enjoyed the flexibility, opportunities and price management tools that the open grain market offers.
The government must pay attention to this offer. It is refreshing to see someone put their money where their mouth is.
Will the government take these farmers up on their offer to give up compensation in order to be able to market their own wheat and barley? Do they own their own grain? Can they have the same rights as those who live eastern Canada used to enjoy or who produce other commodities?