The member for Cypress Hills—Grasslands says that I do not understand. I guess he is absolutely right. I just do not understand why we do these things in our system today.
There is a simple way to do it in Bill C-26. We have the computer system and the technology. We have other check-offs to which we have access if we want to take them. However, when I sell my load of lentils and if I choose to buy the insurance should be up to me. It must not be up to the bureaucracy or the federal government.
One of my learned colleagues in the Chamber just a few minutes ago mentioned the cattle industry. I produce a few cows. I have the opportunity to sell to whom I want. I do not have to worry about check-offs. I do not have to worry about the bureaucracy. If I lose money by selling to the wrong person and a cheque bounces, that is my responsibility. I have nobody to blame but myself.
For far too long, in both provincial and federal governments, we as a country, in all areas of our society, have come to say that government must be all things to all people.
The time is long past for that kind of thinking. We must take some responsibility for our own actions. If we buy something that does not work, if we sell something that does not work, yes it is unfortunate, but we have to be prepared to look after ourselves.
Another issue that comes to mind is the Canada pension plan. We went through a huge debate on that during the last six months as to how it should work. We are hearing more and more people say they are not going to rely on the CPP because it probably will not be there when they retire.
That is the same kind of thinking that we are getting from farmers in the agriculture industry. They are saying “Get out of my face. Leave me alone. I will look after myself. If things go bad I have no one to blame. Nobody else has to take that responsibility”.
A member of our party mentioned a while ago the pretty good success that farmers, at least in western Canada, have had with special crops. My area is no different. We have been able to grow lentils, peas and other things that we never grew before simply because the varieties are better and we have had good weather, resulting in some decent crops.
We made some money over those few years. We have made a few dollars on those special crops. In fact they have kept a lot of the farmers in my area in business. During the late 1980s and early 1990s prices were deflated and many farmers went bankrupt. They were forced to switch to those special crops. The only thing I would say is that we probably waited a little too long because they have been very good for us. What could put a damper on that sector of the industry is overregulation from any level of government and I think that is what we are seeing in Bill C-26.
Bill C-4 which amended the Canadian Wheat Board was passed by this House not too long ago. It is now in the Senate. Again, that bill will overregulate. It will put people in place to create a huge bureaucracy where none is required.
I would tell the government to back off, to listen to what the regular farmers are saying and only give that type of assistance or help where people want it and where it is required.
I would say to the member for Brandon—Souris that I appreciate the fact that he brought this amendment back to the House at this stage. Certainly I would support that kind of thinking.