Thursday, November 12, 2020

MP Mark Strahl pushes feds on dairy subsidy

British Columbia MP Mark Strahl is pushing federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau to say exactly when dairy farmers can expect their second instalment of a $1.75-billion trade-related subsidy.

She has said the cheques will be issued before the end of the year, but Strahl said that leaves it uncertain whether she means Dec. 31 or March 31 next year, which is the end of the federal government’s fiscal year.


During question period, Neil Ellis, Bibeau’s parliamentary secretary, said the promise of $1.75 billion over eight years is firm and that it will be paid in full.

Strahl countered that “a promise made is a debt unpaid and it’s time the Liberals keep their promises to Canadian dairy farmers.

“Liberals should keep their word and tell Canadian dairy farmers exactly when they will receive the compensation that they have been promised,” Strahl said.

He is a son of the late Chuck Strahl who was federal agriculture minister in the Harper government.