Three weeks ago, Canadian farmers rallied on Parliament Hill demanding the federal government make an immediate cash injection into their struggling industry. 

Over twenty-one days they have met with the Prime Minister, the Agriculture Minister, set up blockades and, most recently, protested out front of the Prime Minister's 24 Sussex residence. But still they are waiting for emergency funding.

During Question Period this week, the government was asked repeatedly whether farmers would receive the direct and immediate funding they require.  The answer continues to be unsatisfactory.

So far, the government's response has been to promise $500 million per year of additional funding to Business Risk Management programs.  But that is not the emergency programming farmers want. What producers want and need is a cash injection of $1.6 billion.  And they want it now.

What the government should understand - because farmers certainly do - is that there is no need to wait for a budget.

The Farm Income Protection Act provides the government with standing authority to make payments to producers. So why the delay?

The Conservatives say they have been helping and will continue to help farmers. But when?  And how? 

By delivering funds that were announced and committed by the previous government? By adding less than half of the immediate funding required by producers to an existing envelope through a budget measure?  By missing the opportunity to use monies available from the 2005 fiscal year?

The government says there are long term issues to address. We agree. 

The Liberal Party committed to addressing those long term problems, including implementing recommendations from "Empowering Canadian Farmers in the Marketplace," a report widely welcomed by the farming community.

In the meantime, we were there to help in times of emergency.  Along with budget measures announced in 2005, $1 billion was allocated under the Farm Income Payment Program and another $755 million was announced for grains and oilseeds producers in November 2005 to deal with emergency situations.

After 21 days of rallies, blockades and demands for government help there is still no sign of emergency funding. 

When will this government take action? 

Or is Stephen Harper just going to tell our farmers to "get used to it."