Canadian farmers deserve immediate help from the federal government to get them through this year’s drought, Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day said last week.
Speaking in Regina after a meeting with farm groups, Day noted the drought extends across much of the country and is therefore a national issue.
The Liberal government’s inaction on the issue is making it worse, he said.
“How desperate does it have to get before the federal Liberals in Ottawa pay attention? The Liberal priorities are clearly not with the families who face the loss of their livelihoods.”
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Although he called for an immediate cash injection, Day did not say how much Ottawa should provide.
He also criticized federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief for comments he made during a visit to Saskatchewan last month.
“He blamed farmers for poor water management practices and suggested increasing summerfallow,” Day said. “(That) could return Saskatchewan to the dustbowl of the ’30s.”
Day added that farmers need improved safety net programs, changes in regulations that govern compensation for natural disasters and a reduction in taxes to encourage value-added business.
He also called on Ottawa to address the issue of foreign subsidies.
