These comments are direct quotations from the Hansard
documents.
CAIS
Mr. Gary Schellenberger
(Perth—Middlesex, CPC): Mr. Speaker, there are reports today in the
press that the Minister of Agriculture is delaying additional help to
cattle producers until all the provinces agree to the details of his
program. The provinces have repeatedly stepped up to the plate without the
participation of the federal government.
Will the minister stop fighting with his provincial colleagues and
announce, unconditionally, the program today?
Hon. Mark Eyking (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Agriculture and Agri-Food (Agri-Food), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we have a
good relationship with the provincial ministers. Many of the programs that
we unfolded over the last eight months were in agreement with the
provinces. We will not stop there. We will work on new programs, and we do
have a good relationship.
Mr. Gary Schellenberger (Perth—Middlesex, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the
provinces have taken the initiative and left the federal government and
that minister behind in helping their farmers cope with the BSE crisis.
Almost every province has initiated individual programs, so the minister
cannot use the provinces as a reason to hold up his new program that he is
planning to announce.
Will the minister stop using the provinces as his excuse and actually do
something for our cattle producers rather than just talking about it?
Hon. Mark Eyking (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Agriculture and Agri-Food (Agri-Food), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, over the
last year we have put out $5 billion with the provinces. We are unrolling
CAISP as we speak and the cull cow program. Hon. members should look at
the figures and check the facts.
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