FEBRUARY 28, 2000
FEDERAL BUDGET OFFERS NOTHING TO
FARMERS FACING DEPRESSION-ERA INCOMES
SASKATOON, Sask.--"Even after spending initiatives and tax cuts, the federal government projects an $8 billion budget surplus for the coming year. In addition, it enjoyed an $11.5 billion surplus last year. In light of these large surpluses, Canadian farm families are outraged by the government's continued refusal to act responsibly to shield them from disastrously-low commodity prices," said NFU President Cory Ollikka.
"Today's numbers demonstrate that the federal government clearly has the means. To anyone who has toured rural Canada and met with families, there can be no question of the need. Paul Martin, Jean Chretien, and Lyle Vanclief are cold-heartedly ignoring their responsibility to farm families and rural Canadians," said Ollikka.
Ollikka acknowledged last week's announcement of $240 million in immediate assistance for farmers. He noted, however, that even with that announcement, federal agricultural spending is down 60% since the beginning of the 1990s. "Over the last decade the federal government has cut agricultural spending by $3.6 billion. Last week, it put back $240 million. Today, it announced nothing. To farm families facing the worst income crisis since the 1930s, it is an understatement to call today's budget inadequate," said Ollikka.
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For More Information:
Cory Ollikka, NFU President: (780) 383-2148
Darrin Qualman, Exec. Sec.: (306) 652-9465
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