Record high temperatures coupled with little rainfall over the last month have greatly damaged the crop and feed outlook throughout Western Canada, resulting in farmers and ranchers in precarious positions. Having seen the widespread devastation firsthand, I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers during these challenging times, while highlighting the importance of Canada’s Ag Industry.
The importance of a stable agricultural industry, as well as a stable commodity and food supply chain, cannot be understated. This is why my Conservative colleagues and I, along with our provincial and municipal partners, are working together to ensure our Ag Industry is supported and provided with the necessary assistance to survive what could be the worst drought in decades.
To aid farmers, ranchers, and the entire agricultural industry, Conservatives have been calling on the Federal Liberal Government to take action. To put aside political differences to assist this essential industry. If you are a producer affected and need more information, please feel free to reach out to my office as programs and supports are changing rapidly.
While we are finally seeing the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, Canadians and everyone involved in agriculture cannot afford to be burdened with massive disruptions. I am asking those in the Ag Industry in Battle River-Crowfoot to reach out to my office and describe how the drought is affecting your operations. Your feedback and input are greatly valued as it provides me with the insight needed to address problems in Battle River-Crowfoot. As a fifth-generation farmer, my family is also feeling the impacts and I know how difficult times can stress a farmer’s bottom line, their long-term viability, and their mental health.
On a different note, I would like to thank the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, the Hon. Erin O’Toole, along with Conservative Shadow Minister of Agriculture, MP Lianne Rood, and fellow Conservative MPs Martin Shields and Earl Dreeshen, as well as the 200 people who came to the meeting I had the honour of hosting in Battle River—Crowfoot on July 10. Events like this have been happening across the country with great success. It shows the Conservative Party of Canada is a strong, cohesive team ready to secure our country’s future.
Erin O’Toole’s willingness to meet constituents, answer the tough questions, and listen to the concerns of attendees shows he is ready to lead Canada into an era of prosperity and unity. It also gave a chance to show the leader of the opposition to see the consequences of the developing drought.
It is an honour to represent a constituency that hosts the best agriculture growers and producers in the world. With my Conservative colleagues, I am working to ensure our farmers can weather the storm. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the current drought or anything under the purview of the Federal Government, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My staff and I are here to help.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780.608.4600, text 403.575.5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with what Damien is up to by following him on social media @dckurek.
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