Mr. Speaker, I will bring forward some factual information in reply to my hon. friend from Brandon—Souris.
I think he left the impression with some listeners and viewers that the GRIP in the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan was taken away against their wishes. I remind the member for Brandon—Souris that GRIP was abandoned because those two provinces did not want GRIP. They felt that the premiums were too high and the federal government agreed to it. The province of Ontario wanted to continue with GRIP and does so today.
The member for Brandon—Souris finds the AIDA program wanting and would like to see it improved. Again he would like to leave the impression that it is the sole responsibility of the federal government. I would remind the member for Brandon—Souris that this is not just a one government program. The provinces are involved as well. The federal government pays 60% of AIDA. The provinces pay 40%. The provinces agreed to the criteria involved in AIDA.
My friend from Brandon—Souris supported the former Filmon government which agreed to AIDA. The Romanow government, which still exists by a thread, agreed to the criteria of AIDA.
It is nice to bring these things into perspective so that the people out there, many of whom are not farmers and are living in cities, understand the true facts about AIDA.