Mr. Speaker, the member is absolutely right. Last December we did announce a $900 million whole farm national disaster assistance program.
In the interim the provinces have been giving money to farmers in need because our payout will be based on income tax returns.
At the February 23 and 24 national safety conference in Victoria the minister will be announcing the final details. Applications will become available in March and the final payout will be made in June, whether or not the provinces are on side.