Time for "investment"

Time for "investment"

Niagra Falls, Ontario - Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - by: Joe Hueglin

transportation
Politicians these days term every expenditure an "investment". Well, its time for the Federal Government to do more than match the railways provision of transportation of donated fodder from where it is to where its needed.

65,000
tonnes

"More than 500 metric tonnes of hay have already been shipped west, but officials say more than 65,000 tonnes is still needed."

according to one article, " 21,000 boxcar loads are needed in Alberta alone." in another.

breeding
herds
The goodwill of Canadians through voluntary donation of hay and dollars to pay for transport West will not meet the what's needed to maintain the breeding herds of Western stockmen.

dereliction
The funding of a piddling 187 cars out of the tens of thousands needed is a dereliction of responsibility.

commodity
movement
An assessment of the amount of hay beyond the needs of eastern Canadian stock raisers is the first step. Acquiring it at a fair market price is the second. Engaging the Canadian Wheat Board's expertise to organize large scale commodity movements is next.

billions
Former Finance Minister Martin squirrelled away billions for a rainy day. Well the day is here for only the Federal government has the capability of doing what is necessary to organize what must be done.

individual
Canadians
Will it take effective action? That is an unknown. What is known is that individual Canadians have been doing what they can.

help
out
Those prepared to assist but not knowing precisely how can 'phone 1-866-429-9378 or if they have access to the internet go to:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/facren/hayfoi1e.shtml

push
government
Private initiative and voluntary donations cannot deal with the magnitude of the problem but can ameliorate it, and perhaps lead the Government to action.

Joe Hueglin

References:

1.-
Farmers at risk by inaction The North Bay Nugget, Tuesday, August 20, 2002

2.
Feds pitch in $2.2M to move hay,Tuesday, August 20, 2002 By Canadian Press



Time for "investment"

Niagra Falls, Ontario - Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - by: Joe Hueglin

transportation	Politicians these days term every expenditure an "investment". Well, its time for the Federal Government to do more than match the railways provision of transportation of donated fodder from where it is to where its needed.

65,000 tonnes	"`More than 500 metric tonnes of hay have already been shipped west, but officials say more than 65,000 tonnes is still needed."`
65,000 tonnes	according to one article, " 21,000 boxcar loads are needed in Alberta alone." in another.

breeding herds	The goodwill of Canadians through voluntary donation of hay and dollars to pay for transport West will not meet the what's needed to maintain the breeding herds of Western stockmen.

dereliction	The funding of a piddling 187 cars out of the tens of thousands needed is a dereliction of responsibility.

commodity movement	An assessment of the amount of hay beyond the needs of eastern Canadian stock raisers is the first step. Acquiring it at a fair market price is the second. Engaging the Canadian Wheat Board's expertise to organize large scale commodity movements is next.

billions	Former Finance Minister Martin squirrelled away billions for a rainy day. Well the day is here for only the Federal government has the capability of doing what is necessary to organize what must be done.

individual Canadians	Will it take effective action? That is an unknown. What is known is that individual Canadians have been doing what they can.

help out	Those prepared to assist but not knowing precisely how can 'phone 1-866-429-9378 or if they have access to the internet go to:
help out	http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/facren/hayfoi1e.shtml

push government	Private initiative and voluntary donations cannot deal with the magnitude of the problem but can ameliorate it, and perhaps lead the Government to action.

	Joe Hueglin

*References:*
1.-	Farmers at risk by inaction *The North Bay Nugget*, Tuesday, August 20, 2002

2.	Feds pitch in $2.2M to move hay,Tuesday, August 20, 2002 By Canadian Press