Mr. Speaker, that is rich coming from that member. I would almost be embarrassed if I had been a member of that Liberal government for 13 years. I would not dare to ask a question about agriculture. For 13 years farmers were neglected.
Here is what has happened since the Conservatives have taken over. We provided $4.5 billion for program payments in 2006, $600 million for the AgriInvest kickstart, $400 million to cover farmers' increased input costs, and $76 million to help farmers combat hog disease.
On September 27, 2007, we provided almost $1 million to help the Canadian agriculture industry. On September 21, 2007, we provided $2.6 million for Alberta's agri-processing. On September 21, we provided $1.5 million in funding for Canada's beef exports. On September 21, 2007, we allowed a deferral in the collection of interest on overpayments. On December 14, we gave $305,000 to the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. The list goes on and on.
Mr. Farmer, for 13 years nothing happened. Now farmers are getting their fair share.