Province says federal help coming for drought-stricken farmers
Ottawa will activate its AgriRecovery program for western farmers, says Alberta agriculture minister Devin Dreeshan.
The request for aid was put to the feds Wednesday by Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as the prairies brace for worsening drought conditions.
"We're seeing a very significant drought, certainly in key parts of the province, and in a larger part of the province than we normally would," said Alberta finance minister Travis Toews, who is also a rancher.
Agriculture and forestry minister Devin Dreeshen issued a statement late Thursday afternoon.
“I want to assure producers across Alberta that we understand the severity of this prolonged period of extreme dry weather," he said, "and we are doing everything we can to ensure you receive the support you need.”
Finance Minister Travis Toews speaks about the upcoming budget, in Edmonton on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
According to a report released earlier this week by the province, some areas are suffering a one in 50 year moisture deficit, with more hot weather still in the forecast.
Since last July, many areas have continued to fall behind in rainfall.
Crop assessors with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation have been asked to start field work immediately, which will allow farmers some certainty when they make insurance claims.
"(It's) so that any value in crop residue can be salvaged, whether that's through grazing cattle or putting it up as feed, and that assessment needs to be done on a timely basis," Toews said.
The assessments also allow farmers to then use any residual value left in the damaged crop. This can include using it for feed or grazing.
The Peace Region, north eastern Alberta, the southern region and the east-central portion of the province are all very dry for this time of year.
In many places crops have stopped growing or are producing far less than normal. The price of hay is roughly double last year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.