Farmer machinery dealerships are mounting national and Saskatchewan campaigns to pressure politicians to give more farm aid.
“Our intention is to convince the general public that farmers need help and assistance,” said John Schmeiser, the executive vice-president of the Canada West Equipment Dealers Association.
“The federal government has to step up to the plate.”
The organization, which represents machinery dealers across the West, plans to run advertisements in national newspapers to draw attention to farmers’ plight.
It is billing each of its members $100 to raise money, plus working with the Prairie Implement Manufacturers Association and other agribusiness organizations to broaden the campaign.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
In Saskatchewan, some farm machinery dealerships are also demanding the Saskatchewan government lay out money for cash-strapped farmers.
They say that’s the only way Ottawa will put together another bailout for struggling farmers.
“Anybody I talk to feels that it totally isn’t going to happen unless the Saskatchewan government does whatever portion of it,” said Steve Lesiuk, the president of Dureault’s Allied Sales in Regina.
Lesiuk started the Saskatchewan campaign by faxing a letter to other dealerships and implement manufacturers, asking them to write to the provincial government demanding it put up some of its own money.
Lesiuk told dealerships to tell the government how much the income crisis affects them.
A number of members of the farm group coalition that has demanded federal aid say they think the way some farmers are targeting the Saskatchewan government has been counterproductive and takes pressure off of Ottawa.
Schmeiser said his organization
isn’t going to take a position on whether the Saskatchewan government should contribute money for another farm bailout.
“Our customers cover all different perspectives and all different philosophies,” said Schmeiser.
“Our intent is to educate the public.”
