Mr. Speaker, today the agriculture minister appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. I was hoping to get some answers as to why the government was not getting the $1.7 billion it promised into the hands of struggling Canadian farmers. Unfortunately the only response I got from the minister was more Liberal rhetoric.
Farmers in my riding say AIDA is inefficient, rigid and filled with complicated forms and bureaucratic red tape. Frustrated farmers may not even apply for assistance this year as it appears hopeless.
AIDA must be overhauled. The whole program must be reviewed and revamped to help farmers. Taxes on fuel and other inputs could be reduced immediately. The Liberals have already broken their promise to get the money out in time to help farmers. Will they make a commitment to get the remaining $1.2 billion out in the next couple of weeks so farmers have the resources to put in their crops?
Farmers send a lot of money to Ottawa hidden right in their input costs. Why not refund it now?