Announcement of an Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Additional Funding to Farmers

February 24, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario

Premier Romanow, Premier Doer and I are very pleased to announce that we have reached agreement on a one time $400 million package to help the farmers of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Government of Canada will contribute $240 million to this package.

The farmers of Saskatchewan and Manitoba need to know that their national and provincial governments are working together on the challenges they face. Our announcement today is a reflection of the resolve of our governments to do precisely that.

I know the hardships facing Saskatchewan and Manitoba farmers are very difficult. Farmers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba were most affected by the changes in recent years in grain transportation policies. The action we are taking today is designed to help these farmers complete their adjustment during this time of low farm incomes. I hope that we will soon be able to respond to the Kroeger and Estey Reports in a manner that is beneficial to all prairie farmers.

Farmers are part of the Canadian family and the Canadian family stands together in times of trouble.

Our $240 million brings to over $2.3 billion the amount that we have announced for farm assistance since December 1998. We have put in place the resources necessary to address the situation. We also have ongoing discussions between the Government of Canada and all the provinces and territories on an agreement on new farm safety nets and disaster income assistance.

The premiers and I also discussed the continuing need to push for progress on the trade distorting subsidies of other countries.