HANSARD

December 9, 2009

MEMBERS' STATEMENT
ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I'm pleased to rise today to recognize the Grain Farmers of Ontario and the grain and oilseed safety net committee, who will be here tomorrow morning at Queen's Park. I know that the Grain Farmers of Ontario have had a very busy year, and I want to congratulate them on everything that they have accomplished to raise the awareness of the new organization and the needs of their farmers.

Many of the agricultural organizations have come together to deliver the message to government that CAIS, now called AgriStability, isn't working for farmers. Grain and oilseeds need a permanent risk management program that they can count on, and it must be expanded to other sectors.

The breakfast tomorrow morning is an informal opportunity to meet and talk with grain and oilseed producers, to celebrate the season and to get an update on what government can do to help them be competitive. The safety net committee has been working with Quebec producers and they will be updating us on their progress with the risk management programs.

Ontario grains and oilseeds represent more than 25,000 farm families across the province who grow corn, soybeans, wheat, canola and edible beans. Their labour and innovation bring in nearly $3 billion in food and biofuel product per year and over $10 billion per year in spin-off industries.

I want to wish all of the members of the House a merry Christmas and all the best over the holidays. And I hope that before you head home for the holidays, you will join us for breakfast tomorrow morning and support our grain and oilseed producers.