Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House because this summer I personally met with many farmers, including the younger generation of farmers. Specifically, I met Eric and Jennifer Simpson, a couple my age who have a dairy farm in Rockburn. They told me that they have lost 15% of their revenue in the last few years because of concessions in the trade agreements Canada has signed with other countries. They said that the TPP could cause further losses because an even greater concession is being negotiated and will be passed under this legislation.
This is putting the next generation of farmers in a precarious position. As we know, one in eight jobs in Canada is in the agriculture and agri-food sector. We also know that our rural regions are vibrant and have strong economies thanks to agriculture. Those businesses are keeping kids in our rural schools and supporting local restaurants and other businesses that, in turn, keep people in the regions and preserve our agricultural heritage. This is just one thing that is being attacked in yet another economic agreement the Liberals are pursuing.
How can the Liberals promote a bill that will be harmful to an industry that is so crucial to our country and our rural regions?