Federal help on the way for farmers

The federal government is acutely aware of the struggles facing Canada's farmers and financial aid will be in the mail to farmers, many of whom are on the edge of losing their farms, in January, says the parliamentary secretary to Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

Guy Lauzon said he realizes the federal government has come under criticism for not reacting faster. He pointed out that it takes time to get financial aid packages in place, especially those cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments.

"We've got $600 million that's going to begin flowing in January," Lauzon said during a one-on-one interview with The Guardian while he was in Prince Edward Island recently.

"The minister is committed to doing that."