Question to the Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food ~ September 24th, 2003

Mr. Paul Steckle (Huron-Bruce, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, during the debate yesterday on the extensive efforts that the government has undertaken to open the American border to Canadian cattle, I heard the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food mention that he had recently announced details of $600 million for agriculture producers.

Can the minister inform the House whether cattle ranchers will be receiving a share of this $600 million? While they are grateful that the border is open to Canadian beef, they will continue to experience financial pain until live cattle can be exported to the United States.

Response by the Honourable Lyle Vanclief, P.C., M.P. ~ September 24th, 2003

Hon. Lyle Vanclief (Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food, Lib): Mr. Speaker, certainly they will receive a portion of the $600 million in transition funds as they did last year and as they will this year.

The hon. Member knows it is through the work of the government, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, cabinet colleagues, MPs and the industry, that every effort is being made, has been made and will continue to be made and we will not rest until we have the border completely open into the United States.

With reference to the $600 million, yes, that will flow to all farmers in all provinces, as it did last year, within a very few weeks. For example, last year, it gave $110 million to Ontario farmers and over $180 million to Saskatchewan farmers.