Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear the minister commenting on the government taking measures to assist farmers.
I come from an area in British Columbia where many of my constituents are cattle producers. It is most disheartening to hear these people tell me that the cost of selling their cattle is higher than the return they get from the sale. Some of these people are hanging on and wondering if they will make it through to the season when they sell their cattle, probably in the fall of the year.
First, could the minister tell the House how many farmers are on the threshold of financial failure because of current market conditions?
Second, could the minister tell us how many of those farmers facing loss will be saved because of the measures the government is putting in place?