| PC's Call For Improved Moisture Help |
| Written by Kelvin Heppner | |
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The provincial PC's are accusing the NDP of 'nickel-and-diming' farmers with the Excess Moisture Assistance Program. Leader Hugh McFadyen says they welcomed the news of support for flooded prairie producers earlier in the month. "We saw that as a good step by the federal and provincial governments to get together to make that announcement. We've been disappointed since that time to see the provincial government effectively nickel-and-dime producers with a variety of measures in the implementation of the program," says McFadyen. The Canada-Manitoba Excess Moisture Assistance Program was announced as a support program which offers 30 dollars-per-acre to grain producers for land that was either unseeded due to excess moisture or flooded after seeding. McFadyen points out the province has created a five percent deductible for the program, something which farmers in Saskatchewan and Alberta do not have to deal with. He says the August 3rd sign-up deadline is also much too early, and again, only applies to farmers in Manitoba. "Both of these are creating practical hardships for producers and we're calling on the government to revisit both decisions." Meanwhile, the PC's are also calling for support for flooded cattle producers who so far, have not received any excess moisture relief. "What we're looking for immediately is some help on the freight assistance side, similar to what was done last year," says McFadyen. "There is a need for help on the forage restoration side of things. There is an immediate need, but it needs to happen in the context of a longer-term plan." |
