The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) wrote to the Hon Gerry Ritz, the Hon Rosann Wowchuk (MB), the Hon Bob Bjonerud (SK), the Hon George Groeneveld (AB) and the Hon Steve Thomson (BC) to ask that they immediately begin preparing for what will likely be widespread claims across much of the prairies.
“With the cold spring, delayed planting and drought across much of the cropping area of Western Canada we have a large disaster in the making,” said Doug Robertson, President of the Grain Growers of Canada. “We are asking the Federal and respective Provincial Governments to get to work now.”
“Whether it is crop insurance, agri-invest, agri-stability, agri-recovery or any other program, now is the time for both levels of Government to ensure they have adequate staff, and that those staff are both trained in claims management and can actually understand the programs,” said Robertson.
“Will people be able to knowledgably answer questions when farmers call in?”
“Is there infrastructure like adequate space for people, phones, computers et cetera?”
“Are the claims forms ready to be printed?”
“Nothing is more frustrating to a farmer facing poor crops and a financial crunch than to be given a run around when he goes to file a claim or ask questions of clarification.”
“With proper preparedness, money from safety nets can flow in a timely basis to farmers,” said Robertson.
“We encourage these respective Ministers and their senior staff to begin work now in anticipation. We are probably at the point where we now know there is little hope of a normal crop and the least we can do is ensure that there is a timely response to help farmers when they need it most.”
