It didn’t take long for federal agriculture minister Chuck Strahl to have Saskatchewan rural politicians eating out of his hand.
Beginning his remarks by referring to the gopher “harvest” set the right tone for delegates to the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention.
Afterward, many commented on his sense of humour, his relaxed style and how quickly he seemed to have grasped the issues facing farmers.
Strahl’s first official visit to the province since his appointment as agriculture minister coincided with the largest annual gathering of rural councillors. More than 1,800 people at the convention packed the hall to hear from the man given the task of overhauling the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization program, adding $500 million to farm support and reviewing the Canadian Wheat Board export monopoly.
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During his speech, he reminded those at the convention that one of the government’s first acts was to accelerate the $755 million payment to grains and oilseeds farmers promised by the previous administration.
“I realize that doesn’t solve the cash crisis here in the province but at least it’s some good news for producers,” Strahl said. He told reporters that the government is discussing what it can do to help with seeding this spring.
Strahl joked with the crowd about one of the government’s more contentious agricultural policies.
“One of the things that has been getting quite a bit of attention during the election campaign is the Canadian Wheat Board. That’s the end of my speech. I’m leaving now,” he said to laughter. He said any changes to the board would be done in a transparent fashion.
