Question to the Minister of Agriculture
Flooding in Manitoba - May 29, 2006

Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, farmers in Manitoba have faced years of flooding, which has resulted in lost income and lost potential as land is often saturated and unproductive for long periods of time. This year floods again threaten their livelihoods.

    Could the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell us what the government has done to help those farmers?

    Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we are aware of the losses that Canadian farmers, especially those in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, have suffered because of the flooding in 2005 and 2006. That is why in these past few days we have committed to provide another $50 million in funding for our new cover crop program. We are continuing with programming to help restore an estimated three million acres of flood-affected farmland. There are major changes to the CAIS program, better support programs, better biodiesel production and better disaster relief programs.

    This government remains committed now in the crisis and in the future for Canadian agriculture.