Mr. Speaker, the farmers and other residents of the Brandon—Souris area of Manitoba are suffering the effects of unprecedented flooding.
Over the month of May, they had 200 mm of rain, compared to the normal 55 mm, and this fell on ground that was already waterlogged. For the farmers of southwestern Manitoba, this is just one more burden, on top of the difficulties the grain producers are experiencing because of the delays in assistance from the AIDA program.
Imagine the situation on a typical farm in this area: the farmers are waiting on government assistance so that they can settle what they owe for last year's seed, fertilizer and other production costs before planting their crops this spring, and now they are being hit with rain and flooding. If they cannot plant by June 15, they will have missed their chance for this year.
The Bloc Quebecois members have every sympathy for the people of southwestern Manitoba. After our experience with the floods and the ice storm, we are keenly aware of the strength of self-help and solidarity, which Manitobans have already shown us.