By Brendan Wagner

Sask. politicians butt heads over agriculture flood relief

Nov 22, 2010 | 10:31 AM

The New Democrats think rural Saskatchewan is foundering because of the inaction of the Wall government.

 NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter accuses the Wall government of standing by and doing little to address the plight of farmers and ranchers.

But agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud disputes that claim.

“Out of the programs we've had this summer that we brought in to deal with the flooding, we've paid about half a billion dollars right now and there's more cheques to go out very, very quickly,” Bjornerud said.

Lingenfelter is repeating his call for $100 per acre of flooded cropland, along with a $150 per-head payment so cattlemen won't have to sell off their herds.

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“Last year, we did a $40 per-head payment for cattle right across the province. The feds weren't at the table at that point, and we've got an ask in now to see if there's something they can do to help. That would be great,” said Bjornerud.

He added that Lingenfelter shouldn't be criticizing the current government. Bjornerud said the agriculture budget is now well over $500 million, compared to about $200 million when the NDP was in power.