Madam Speaker, early in the member's speech he said that he was surprised New Democrats from the prairie provinces would be in opposition to the motion because of how beneficial trade is for agriculture. As has been pointed out by previous speakers in our party, we do support fair trade.
I would ask the member to tell us how agricultural trade over the last seven or eight years with the United States has benefited farmers from western Canada. As Canada slashed subsidies by 60% and the Americans jacked up its subsidies, could he tell us how it has helped Canadian grain and oilseed producers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta?
Has it helped anybody other than the multinationals, the Monsantos and the implement dealers? We do not produce any manufacturing equipment except short line equipment. The large stuff is produced outside our borders. Could the member tell us about the blessings of fair trade with the United States as it has affected agriculture over the last eight years?