Leona Dombrowky: That’s nonsense. Chuck Strahl said he had $1.5 billion and you know what, it’s still safely in his pocket. He’s not dancing. He’s not dancing at all. So, let’s see how the money is going to flow. And I’ve said I want a partnership. And you ask farmers here how much money they are going to get and when they can expect it. That announcement was made in April. This is August. Where’s the money?

Farmers Forum: Does the province have its own plan for farmers?

Dombrowsky: What we’d asked for before the budget is a long term partnership with the federal government and they thumbed their nose at us. We don’t have that. So, what I’m doing, as is the premier, is going across Ontario, talking to farmers. The challenge is, because the federal money hasn’t flowed, I’m not getting a clear message on what I need to do, how we can better help them.

Farmers Forum: Is the risk management program developed by farmers something the province is willing to support?

Dombrowsky: The risk management program very clearly identifies that it requires the partnership of the federal-provincial governments and the producers. I have gone to Ottawa and I have spoken with Minister Strahl and I’ve indicated that we want to enter into a partnership agreement. I would suggest the budget document makes it very clear that the federal government is willing to participate in that partnership arrangement. That’s where we are at the present time.

Farmers Forum: So, the province supports the risk management program?

Dombrowsky: Let me remind you that the risk management program is from grains and oilseeds. I am the Minister of Agriculture for all sectors. So, I consider the risk management program, how it operates for grains and oilseeds farmers. But I also have to consider does that fit for other producer groups or is there another type of program that could assist grains and oilseeds and other sectors as well.

Farmers Forum: Does it fit with other sectors?

Dombrowsky: I will not make a comment on that today, only to say that other sectors have come to me with other requests. So, I’m considering those as well.

Farmers Forum: Jim Wheeler (assitant deputy minister) said some things earlier this year that angered farmers, including that agriculutrue needs to weed out some farmers. Is it true that some farmers need to wake up and smell the coffee and realize that there is not room enough for all of them.