federal budget

[skhadenuf]

Reply to Silverback, I honestly have to say at this point I am not likely going to vote at all. If by chance we have a good independant candidate, or even perhaps one of these western independance parties, I just don't know enough about what else they stand for besides western seperation. Last election I hoped that a message would be sent to the Liberals that ran their party dictator style and it was, which is great. But that is a done deal and over with so now if the interests of rural Canada and particularly agriculture aren't in the top 3 of priorities of any party then it's not worth it, just tired of the same old scenerios.
As far as policies go there is not likely a pure perfect policy, but not one of them will work if they are designed to limit the payouts to the small amounts that they are. For example the much despised CAIS program. Actually in principle it's not a totally far out plan the problem is if you design a program based on net income during a time when net incomes or I should say margins when they were there lowest in history, and if margins are based on how much income you had when you lost 4 of the last 5 years of crops, it's not hard to figure out why the people who needed it most didn't get anything other than a bill at the accountant.
From what I know about it I sure wouldn't mind trying the Quebec version of farm programs complete with an actual wage and cost of production built into their formula.

[silverback]

So let me get this straight, you hate the fact that money is going to Quebec from taxpayers, but you want a government that guarantees a wage and price structure for farmers, from taxpayers.

Correct?

Would you like quota's and production limits on all farm products?

What is a "fair" wage for farms?

[skhadenuf]

To silverback, so you believe we out west for what ever reason are not worthy of the same type of programs Quebec has? And as far as production controls, quotas, that you mentioned I am not sure where you got that line of thinking from possibly confused about the Quebec program, I am not talking about there eggs and milk programs which I don't know enough about to comment on, I am talking their guarantees for wheat, oats and barley and livestock built into there income programs.

As far as a fair wage I guess your saying after 20, 30 or 40 years of farming if you happen to run into the luck of 2, 3 or 4 years of flood, drought, frost, sawflies etc then you are on your own, if you loose your farm you loose your farm right!!! I am just saying in those times if society is really interested in slowing down the rural community demise then at least cover the costs in those years of disaster. You don't just loose your farm we all loose communities etc.
And I hate to get into the old debate about taxes, but as far as fact is concerned the Canadian farmer in Sask, Alberta, Man. and anywhere else for that matter is subsidizing the Canadian economy. In case you haven't read a newspaper or picked up a sales catalogue for farm sellouts, not hard to figure out what sector of our economy is being screwed over.

[smcgrath76]

Interesting. I am challenged when I vote as no party clearly reflects my beliefs, although being in AB it is a pretty sure bet who my MP will be.
I certainly am nervous about the amount of spending going on, as someone does have to pay for this at some point and that someone is me and you.
I have some degree of familiarity with and am not a big fan of the PQ system for agriculture. I would much rather have freedom to be innovative and have government support this through legislation, regulation and programs. I don't think there is a realistic way to keep floor prices from being reflected in input costs.

[silverback]

Don't get all upset man! I am just trying to have you tell us exactly what it is you want.

What kind of policy would you think might help get us to where you think we should be?

[canaussie]

Hey guys

I'm a cdn turned aussie recently and read about the federal budget when it was tabled. Does anyone know yet how these funds will be distributed? Will it be through our CAIS account?(referring to the $400 mill)Boy you guys are lucky compared to these aussie farmers