Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to talk about an important issue facing Canadian farmers, mental health.
I am the granddaughter of a cattle farmer and well know the pride, strength and independence demonstrated by our farmers.
I have heard first-hand from farmers in my riding of New Brunswick Southwest of the uncertainty, unpredictability and stresses of weather, market forces and wanting to pass the family farm on to new generations.
The feelings of anxiety, stress, depression and isolation are not easy to share. It is time to break this barrier of stigma. There is no question we need our farmers. I am pleased the agricultural committee is completing its investigative study of the mental health and physical well-being of our farmers.