Mr. Speaker, it is a thrill for western Canadians to hear that our government is finally moving toward giving them the same rights and opportunities as other Canadian farmers; the right to grow, the right to market and the right to sell their own crops. We have waited decades for this day.
Farmers have finally received the good news that our government will keep its promise to give them marketing freedom. The future is bright. We already know that entrepreneurs are ready to invest, farmers are ready to market and value-added jobs are just around the corner.
Farmers paid the price when the board was forced on them, and they have been paying for it ever since. That has gone on far too long. It is time to give real choice and freedom to western Canadian farmers.
The western provinces have been held back by the Wheat Board. We invite the members across the way to join with us in bringing freedom to western Canada.
Make no mistake that the government's actions will result in more investment and innovation in western Canada. It will result in value-added jobs and a stronger economy.
I ask the opposition to join with us in bringing western Canadian farmers the same freedom the rest of Canada already has.