Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, potato farmers in Prince Edward Island are still reeling from the impacts of the export ban on P.E.I. potatoes, which forced them to destroy some 250 million pounds of potatoes and is estimated to have cost the industry more than $50 million. While shipments to our southern neighbour have resumed as of April, farmers in P.E.I. are concerned that the damage is done, with the loss of long-term customers in the United States. Andrew Smith, a farmer in Newton, is quoted in a recent CTV article saying:

We lost that business and it’s gone, and I would expect it’s gone to an American grower who doesn’t have to deal with protectionism at the border.

As it currently stands, there is still a ban on seed potatoes, which comprises roughly 10% of the Island’s annual output, pending the outcome of a more thorough review by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that could take years to complete, Senator Gold.

Leader, I think our farmers have been patient enough. When will you finally give the farmers in Prince Edward Island an immediate plan with actionable steps to ensure the restoration of full market access?

Senator Plett: Senator Gold, it is clear that your government’s policies are directly working against farmers on various fronts. As if the import ban wasn’t enough to worry about, they also have to deal with inflated costs brought on by this government’s failed economic policies. P.E.I. has stated that this year’s potato crop was the most expensive crop on record due to the rising costs of fertilizer and diesel fuel. In many cases, producers find their fertilizer bills have more than doubled, and it goes without saying that if costs for farmers are rising, it will surely be felt by Canadians at the grocery store. It already is.

Senator Gold, is your government prepared to acknowledge that its policies are driving up costs at the farm gate? Or does the Prime Minister insist on continuing to ignore what farmers across the country are telling him?

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question, senator. The government is not ignoring what farmers are saying, or, indeed, what any other constituency in this country is saying. The government’s policies on the economy have demonstrated to help Canada through a most difficult time. The government will continue to support our economy as it goes forward, and all sectors of the economy. With regard to the issue of fertilizer and other policies, the government is committed to continuing these policies to help us transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.