Mr. Speaker, I was certainly trying to commend the member for what he tried to do in bringing the information to city people around the country, but also for ensuring that the right message is sent to rural dwellers.
After the $500 million was announced, of course, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, following up on what I had already done, sent a letter to the editor “Re: Federal government campaign against farmers”. It was dated March 15, right after the $500 million was announced. It said:
The federal government has fired up its formidable propaganda machine to counter the day of action carried out by farmers across Canada on March 14, 2001.
The ad that ran in newspapers cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 at the going rate. I know the federal government gets a cut but it is still an awful lot of money.
Members will note that the newspaper ad, in big black letters, says “Supporting our Farmers”. This is followed by smaller font, and then, again in big black letters, it says “$1.6 billion”. This is followed by more small font, and then the ad talks about the spring credit advance program. The next big font reads “$700 million”. This is misinformation to people who do not understand farm issues or how much money has actually gone to farmers.
When they read the ad, it says “Government of Canada”, “Supporting our Farmers”, “$1.6 billion”, “$700 million”. Those words stand out. The ad has everyone believing that somehow farmers have received $2.3 billion. This kind of information should not happen.
We have letters of support for the motion today from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Keystone Agriculture Producers, farm organizations and farmers across the country. I do not think there is one farmer out there who will not support it.
I am asking if Liberal members will support the motion, which gives direction to the agriculture minister and the cabinet that $400 million is what is required as an immediate emergency cash injection for the year 2001. I think the government will support the motion and come through with the required funding.
I would like to move an amendment at this time. I move:
That the motion be amended by inserting between the words “to” and “authorize” the word “immediately”.