Mr. Speaker, right now in southwestern Manitoba farmers are experiencing the devastating flood runoff from torrential rains at the worst possible time.
Already faced with low commodity prices and an unworkable federal aid program, they are seeing their seeding plans deteriorate as more than two million acres are in danger of not being planted. That could put the survival of many farms in serious jeopardy.
Last week I toured some of the affected areas and I was astounded at the seriousness of the situation. Estimates are that 3,000 farmers are affected. In fact, nine municipalities have been declared disaster areas.
If exceptionally warm, dry weather does not occur in the next couple of weeks, the government had better be prepared to step in and help these farmers through this crisis, which threatens to be as devastating as the Red River flood.