"The announcement today by the Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food to defer collection of overpayments made under the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program is very good news. This is an indication that the government understands just how difficult the economic situation is to producers. While producers will still have to repay the overpayment next year, it will help them considerably this year," stated Ken McBride, President of APAS.

We believe that during a period of serious income crisis it is important for government at all levels to understand that flexibility in their program delivery is critical. This is the first government action to show that flexibility. We would like to see this approach adopted by all levels of government," said McBride. "If bureaucrats are not forced to follow strict rules developed in a healthier economic environment, then the primary agricultural industry will have a greater ability to withstand the pressures put upon it. We congratulate the federal government for this foresight."

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