Boshcoff still pushing for drought aid

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff said Monday he will continue to push for drought funding for district farmers.
Due to the lack of rain this summer, the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture and Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association sent letters to the federal and provincial ministers of agriculture requesting compensation.
The organizations specifically asked for $150 per animal unit and are still waiting for a response.
“That is a reasonable amount,” said Boshcoff, adding he also received a copy of the letter.
“They make a very good case here,” he added. “In addition, we’ve got the Soil and Crop Improvement Association on board, so that’s a triple combo of support.”
Boshcoff indicated he would be following up on the issue, especially since he received a letter outlining all of the different programs that are available.
“Everything except what we’re are asking for,” he noted. “So that’s where I’ll have to ramp it up.”
As well, Boshcoff said the provinces and territories have requested a separation of disaster programs and crop failure.
“Everybody is on board that there has to be a disaster program,” he noted.
“That is something that has already become part of the Liberal program and as the chair of the rural caucus, I’m steering that through.”