Federal and Provincial Governments Committed to Help Cape Breton Farmers

"The Stephen Harper Government puts farmers first and we are committed to working with Premier Rodney MacDonald and the Nova Scotia Government to find ways to help producers in Cape Breton," said Minister Ritz.

"Farmers expect governments to work together to support agriculture and that is why it was important for Mr. Bain and I to go to Ottawa to explain the situation in Cape Breton," said Minister Taylor. "The discussion we had with Minister Ritz was productive and both governments are working to help these farmers."

Minister Ritz committed to immediately send senior Agriculture Canada officials to Cape Breton to meet with farmers and assess the situation. While there, these officials will work with their provincial counterparts to ensure effective coordination. Officials will report to their respective ministers. Minister Ritz is also in close contact with Defence Minister Peter MacKay, the federal Minister responsible for Nova Scotia.

"We need to know as much as possible about this unique situation to identify the best ways for both the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia to respond," said Minister Ritz. "Our Government has a strong record of delivering real action for Canadian farm families and we will be there for farmers in Cape Breton."

"The farm families in my area are facing real struggles with the overwhelming rainfall and we want them to know both the national and provincial governments are standing right beside them," said Mr. Bain. "This is the kind of cooperation that delivers results for farmers facing this difficult situation in Cape Breton."

Minister Ritz, Minister Taylor and Mr. Bain went on to discuss the critical importance of food safety and the importance of strong cooperation between all levels of governments to keep Canadian families safe. They also discussed the negative impacts farmers would face from the Liberal Opposition carbon tax proposal that would force dramatic price hikes on agricultural inputs such as diesel, fertilizer, and chemical costs.

MLA Keith Bain