Western Producer staff
When should rural Canadians begin to seriously question whether the current federal government understands them?
A recent meeting in Kenora, Ont., had strong words from politicians critical of Liberal cuts to agriculture.
Out of the meeting came statements about having to sensitize “the people who make these decisions,” particularly the ones who live in big cities.
As many as 30 rural politicians have been meeting regularly on Parliament Hill to grill ministers on policies, discuss strategy and share their concerns.
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While it isn’t new for governments to be criticized about their policies, it is important to note where these criticisms are coming from – within the Liberal party itself.
Rural Liberal MPs are uneasy about the direction their party is taking as offices close, programs are cut, and uncertainty looms over the post Crow-Benefit era.
They rightly protest that agriculture received deeper budget cuts than other areas.
It’s a confusing time. Should farmers feel better knowing their local MPs are protesting on their behalf and saying enough is enough?
Or is it disheartening to realize that if these politicians can’t be heard by their cabinet members, there’s little hope of common, isolated citizens gaining attention? It’s a long wait until the next federal election to reward their sensitivity – or lack therof.
How can rural Canadians ensure they are not forgotten and the urban politicians become more sensitized?
Now it’s more important than ever for farm groups to be strong and united in their message to the government. Farmers should more openly share their thoughts on the impact of government decisions upon their lives.
Perhaps urban politicians could be billeted to farms for a year. Their itinerary could be as follows.
Travel rough roads in spring and question where money will be found to rebuild them well enough to handle the greater volume of grain trucks expected with the demise of the Crow.
Add a few doses in summer of natural disasters ranging from flash floods to drought, plus plow winds, tornadoes and hail the size of crab apples: calculate how well insurance covers these shortfalls (and later, snowfalls).
When the coyotes begin in autumn to go after the sheep or the fox after the hens, don’t delay checking if that gun is registered before pulling it out.
Mail concerns to Ottawa with the annual Christmas card from the nearest post office (if it’s still open).
And should a remedy be sought for that headache after the farm inputs, school tuition, and income tax bills all come in, hope that the hospital is near.
