Mr. Speaker, one of the farmers in my region, Mr. John Downer, brought to my attention a comment made on CBC last night that $2.6 billion in government support will be 75% of net farm income.
It is very important that Canadians hear that with 270,000 farms in Canada, the net farm income this year would be $12,800. That would be about $4.30 an hour based on a 60 hour week. That is without benefits, and with wives and children adding their labour for free.
In my city a policeman is paid $26 or $27 an hour. A nurse gets $25 or $26 an hour. Even though the CBC statement was factually correct, it was terribly misleading to all Canadians because it took out of context what really happens. I am appreciative of the opportunity to put it on the record.
Most Canadians would be ashamed if they realized that based on a 60 hour week the average hourly rate was $4.30.