House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 39% of the vote.
Agriculture May 6th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as my colleague knows, at this moment the federal minister of agriculture and all the provincial ministers are meeting across the street. About 100 of the largest farm organizations are here in the city today to meet together as we look at the agriculture policy framework for the future of the country.
We will do things in a positive way for our farmers. We made a commitment in the budget that we will have money there for the future. We will be there for our farmers.
Agriculture May 6th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, we certainly realize that subsidies do not work. The Americans are saying that their farm bill is about trade liberalization but they are wrong. It is about protectionism. In fact this bill was driven by a market that was driven by farmers going to the mailbox. It does not encourage people to be entrepreneurs, which our Canadian farmers are.
We will go to the WTO if we have any proof at all that they have gone past what they can legally do.
Agriculture May 6th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as my hon. colleague knows, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food met with Secretary Veneman in Ottawa on Saturday. He certainly told her and the United States, in no uncertain terms, how upset we were about this.
If we can find any way in which we can take this to the WTO now, we will. However certainly they have upset us and at the next talks at the WTO we will lead the way and build support around the world against the United States agricultural subsidies.
Supply May 6th, 2002
More people are working.
Supply May 6th, 2002
You are a few years behind on that one.
Supply May 6th, 2002
That is what it got last year.
Supply May 6th, 2002
We just gave $1 billion to Saskatchewan.
Agriculture April 26th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced in Saskatchewan this week money to fund all water projects that have been asked for and that are eligible, and also in Alberta. Already this year the federal government alone has committed $1.1 billion to our farmers that will help in short term programs.
Our minister continues to explore every avenue to find more money for our farmers.
Agriculture April 26th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to take my first opportunity here in the House to thank and congratulate the members of the Prime Minister's task force for their excellent work.
As the House knows, they also said that the safety net programs needed to be financed on a long term basis with financing guaranteed for five years. That is exactly what our minister of agriculture is attempting to do, along with our other colleagues in the House. This follows the strong commitment by the Minister of Finance in the budget and also in the throne speech; to move past where we are today and move past crisis management.
Farm Credit Corporation April 10th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the hon. member will be pleasantly surprised to hear that for the fourth time Farm Credit Canada has received the auditor general's award for excellence in the annual reporting by crown corporations.
The award signifies that the FCC has more than met its obligation to the Government of Canada and to Canadians. It is a strong testament that FCC continues to serve the needs of Canadian producers and the agriculture industry efficiently and responsibly.
I wish to extend congratulations to John Ryan and all the good people at Farm Credit Canada.