Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my colleague from Fundy—Royal and other members of the Progressive Conservative Party who have spoken to this bill. Some might view this legislation as being of little consequence and a case of semantics because in essence what appears to be the major change is one of name only, whereby it creates the Farm Credit Canada logo, the FCC.
However it takes on much more than that. My colleagues have noted and highlighted some of the changes that would come about as a result of the legislation. The bill speaks in particular detail of expanding the financial services available to farm operations and businesses throughout Canada. The bill would allow authority to provide loans to businesses related to farming activities in Canada, in cases where the business is majority owned by farmers and in cases where it is not. It would touch upon farming in a critical way.
It goes without saying, but bears repeating, that farming in Canada is very much in jeopardy. We have seen crises, particularly in western Canada and the province of Manitoba, because of the elements and because of flooding. We have also seen drought in other parts of the country. The expansive size of Canada and the distances involved in bringing produce to market is one of the biggest challenges farmers face apart from the weather.
When it comes to the government's involvement in the farm industry, we have on many occasions seen farmers throughout Canada left with a feeling of abandonment when it comes to their ability to be competitive not only in Canada or North America but globally. A great deal more could be done.
Members of the Progressive Conservative Party and other members in the House have spoken at length and quite passionately about the need for government assistance in times of need, when market change or legislation has hindered the ability of farmers to get their produce to market.
That is perhaps one of the highlights of the bill and hopefully one that can be brought through quickly. It would help farmers get on with the business of produce and participate fully in the economy.
The Conservative Party is very supportive of the legislation as we have been in the past with efforts to assist farmers. My colleague spoke of the situation in Prince Edward Island with respect to potatoes. There have been other situations throughout the country where farmers have been left destitute and literally high and dry when it came to the government coming to their assistance when they were most in need.
My friend also spoke of the dairy industry. In my constituency of Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough there are numerous examples. Scotsburn Dairy Cooperative has a storied and very proud history of participation in the dairy industry in Canada. It is continuing to expand and make great contributions on behalf of its industry, and it is very much a part of the vibrant and growing economy of Atlantic Canada.
We support the legislation. We are pleased that there is an opportunity to see the bill pass through the Parliament of Canada and hopefully come into being in the other place.