Mr. Speaker, throughout Alberta and western Saskatchewan farmers are facing a potential drought that could knock out any hope of producing a crop this summer. Some areas, especially in eastern Alberta, have had a shortage of moisture for well over a year.
Cattlemen are already telling us that they will have to sell off cows due to a lack of groundwater. Yesterday, as it has done for the last few weeks, the wind blew. It blew until there were dust storms with blizzard like conditions and in some areas visibility was down to 100 yards.
Meteorologists are already anticipating that this widespread drought could be the worst drought we have seen in 100 years.
Given the Liberal government's previous slow response to agricultural issues, I would like to ask the government the following questions: Is the government aware of this potential crisis? Does Agriculture Canada have an action plan in place to help those farmers affected by a drought? Will it be too late before this government takes any action?