WASKATENAU, Alta. - Today, hundreds of farmers across Canada began phoning federal ministers and rural MPs. The farmers want to directly communicate the economic pain that they are suffering.

"To leave farmers to suffer without assistance during the current farm income crisis, government MPS and Ministers must either be callous or uninformed. We assume that the latter is the case. Thus, hundreds of farm family members have undertaken to phone and educate these elected leaders," said NFU President Cory Ollikka.

"We regret the inconvenience that these numerous calls must cause for MPS and Cabinet Ministers, but such inconvenience pales when compared with the bankruptcies, broken marriages, family abuse, and suicide that the income crisis is causing across Canada. It pales when compared to the lost jobs, closed schools, and dying communities," said Ollikka.

In addition to educating MPs, NFU members want immediate cash assistance for those families hardest hit by the current income crisis. "We need an immediate, targeted, capped payout to farmers. There will be no spring seeding on many farms unless money is forthcoming soon. We will be asking each MP and minister if they support immediate money for farmers," said Ollikka

NFU members across Canada are phoning Ottawa. They will be calling individually and in small groups of neighbors, families and friends. They will continue calling until the end of the week.

The media can call the NFU National Office for comment and for the names and phone numbers of local families participating in the phone campaign. (306) 652-9465

For more information

• Cory Ollikka, NFU President (780) 383-2148
  
• Fred Tait, NFU Vice-President (204) 252-2773
  
• Darrin Qualman, Executive Secretary (306) 652-9465