Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Grande Prairie – Mackenzie, was disappointed by the
limited scope of Trudeau Liberal government’s announcement of support for agriculture that was
comprised primarily of previously announced programming.
“The financial support announced by the Trudeau government for farmers is not new money and falls
far short of what the agriculture sector in the Peace Country and across Canada needs,” Warkentin
said. “The Liberals have just reheated old promises with funding for Farm Credit Canada. What’s
more, the funds announced for AgriRecovery are actually the Agriculture departments previously
planned for the year.”
“It’s clear that even though farmers and producers are fighting through this pandemic and feeding the
nation, the government does not consider the agriculture sector to be a priority.”
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture asked for $2.6 billion in support from the federal government
to help the agriculture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has announced $252
million in funding for the agriculture sector. The funding includes:
• $77.5 million for food processors
• $125 million for AgriRecovery
• $50 million for a government purchase program for surplus foods
“Conservatives understand how hard our agriculture sector has been hit by the current pandemic,”
noted Warkentin. “Over the past years, I’ve asked the Trudeau Liberals many times to support our
farmers and producers in the Peace Country by reforming the Business Risk Management programs.
In addition, my Conservative colleagues are proposing the government implement a temporary cattle
set-aside program that helps producers keep up with inventory until processing levels adjust.”
The Liberals’ announcement fails to meet the needs of farmers and producers who have, for months,
been asking the government for help. Numerous agriculture groups, including the Canadian
Federation of Agriculture, Grain Growers of Canada, Canadian Pork Council, and the Canadian
Cattlemen’s Association have expressed their disappointment in the support announced by the
Trudeau Liberals.
“During this tough time, we need action, not empty Liberal promises. Canada’s Conservatives will
continue to press the Trudeau government for real support for our agriculture sector. I’ll continue to
bring the priorities of the Peace Country to the table as we hold the government to account.”