Mr. Speaker, agriculture is a big job and the minister comes to it with a bedrock principle: in making every decision on every policy, he is fully committed to putting farmers first.
In fact, since taking office, the government has announced a number of programs that will benefit farmers and processors. For instance, we have spent $3.9 million in support of packing plants. Our government is contributing $2.3 million for the disposal of specified risk material.
The government has also eased labour shortages in processing plants. We gave $51 million to improve the temporary foreign workers program.
What is more, our government, along with the provincial governments, is providing $130 million to minimize the costs of Canada's enhanced feed ban.
We are working with industry to come up with solutions that will meet its needs.
The national Beef Industry Value Chain Roundtable continues to work hard to address the various competitive challenges.
Because we put farmers first, targeted advanced payments are starting to flow. This will give farmers much needed cash.
In January, $600 million for NISA-type programs will come into play. As we know, farmers have requested this type of payment since the previous Liberal government scrapped NISA.
The federal government is providing carefully planned and strategically implemented support to the beef industry. Support must be provided based on a viable plan to ensure a sustainable future. Discussions are continuing with provincial governments to consider ways in which the federal and provincial governments can work with the industry to support viability and prosperity.
Our record is very clear. We put farmers first and we provide results.
However, that member has some serious explaining to do. Let me just remind the House of the record of the member for Malpeque. In 2001, he voted against $400 million for farm family emergency aid. In 2002, he was too afraid to stand up to American protectionist policies. In 2004, he voted against providing help for farmers hard hit by BSE. In 2006, he voted against accountability at the Wheat Board.
Under what authority does that member stand up in this House to lecture this government?
Clearly, this government has the interests of farmers in mind. We put farmers first.